NK Publikum Celje vs ND Primorje Prediction: Celje to win but will the midweek Europe game affect them?

There’s an undeniable buzz around this fixture as NK Publikum Celje welcomes ND Primorje on March 9, 2025. Every game matters at this stage of the season, and with Celje flying high at home and Primorje struggling on the road, this one feels primed for a statement performance.

Celje’s home record speaks volumes—they’ve secured three wins in their last four, pumping in an average of 3.3 goals per game. Their attack, spearheaded by A. Kučys and the creative brilliance of Mario Kvesić, has been devastatingly efficient. Their defensive resilience has been equally commendable, allowing just 1.3 goals per game at home, a testament to their well-organized backline.

Conversely, Primorje’s away form paints a starkly different picture. They’ve yet to register a win in their last four road games and are conceding at a rate of 1.8 goals per match. While Semir Smailagić remains their most reliable goal threat, the lack of consistent attacking output has left them vulnerable.

This is a matchup that heavily tilts in Celje’s favor. The numbers, the form, and the tactical structure all lean towards a home win. However, football is notorious for throwing up surprises. Can Primorje defy the odds, or will Celje’s offensive juggernaut run riot once again? The answer unfolds this Sunday.

NK Publikum Celje

If there’s one thing I can say with certainty, it’s that Celje has been near unstoppable at home. They’ve racked up 44 goals in 23 league outings, a testament to their attacking efficiency. A. Kučys leads the scoring charts with eight, while the ever-influential Mario Kvesić has orchestrated the midfield with four assists to his name.

Their dominance extends beyond the league, as they’ve also impressed in European competition, showcasing their attacking fluidity with 18 goals in nine UEFA Europa Conference League fixtures. Their recent 9-1 demolition of Radomlje epitomized their clinical edge, proving that when they hit their stride, they are simply unplayable.

Averaging 55.8% possession, Celje thrives on dictating the game’s tempo. With their high-intensity approach and ability to dismantle defenses, I expect them to set the tone early and keep their grip on the contest throughout.

ND Primorje

It’s difficult to ignore the struggles Primorje has faced on their travels. They have yet to register an away win in their last four league matches, and their inefficiency in both boxes has been glaring. Conceding 1.8 goals per game while scoring just 1.0 per match is a worrying trend, especially against a team as ruthless as Celje.

Semir Smailagić has been a rare bright spot, contributing six goals, but beyond him, the team lacks a reliable attacking outlet. Creativity has been sparse, with only seven assists recorded across 23 games, highlighting a lack of cutting edge in the final third.

For them to stand a chance, they’ll need to be compact, frustrate Celje’s attacking rhythm, and capitalize on any set-piece opportunities that come their way. If they fail to do so, this could turn into another difficult outing against a side in peak form.

Expert Betting Tips

This fixture looks set to be a one-sided affair. Celje’s relentless attacking approach, coupled with their solid defensive organization, makes them overwhelming favorites. Primorje’s inability to secure results away from home will likely haunt them once again, especially against a side boasting one of the best offensive records in the league.

Unless Primorje delivers a defensive masterclass, this should be another comfortable victory for Celje, reinforcing their dominance on home turf.

Score Prediction: NK Publikum Celje 3-0 ND Primorje

Based on the predicted score above, below are my predictions for the game:

My first prediction is W1(0:1) for odds of 1.97 at Betway

My second prediction is over 2.5 goals for odds of 1.64 at Bet365

My final prediction is over 8.5 corners for odds of 1.72 at 1XBet