Benfica vs Celtic Preview, prediction, injury news & lineups | Europa League 2026-27

The previous outing between the two clubs took place in 2012!

For their second league phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27 campaign, SL Benfica will face off against Celtic FC. The Estádio da Luz is all set to witness this high-voltage clash.

The Eagles have secured four wins in their last five matches. In their first UEL fixture of the season, they managed an easy 2-0 victory against AC Milan. Even though they failed to keep the majority of the ball possession, SL Benfica performed well in attack and did not miss out on crucial chances.

They will now be looking to extend their winning run to two in their upcoming European competition. Marco Silva’s men will be at their home ground and this will give them a big boost in their confidence levels.

The Hoops are finally back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. Their start to the UEFA Europa League campaign was not positive at all. The Martin O’Neill-led side were outplayed by Ferencváros in what was a 1-3 loss for them. They will now be eager to turn the tide around.

Celtic FC must not waste any chances in the final third as they did in their previous UEL matchup.

Kick-off:

• Location: Lisbon, Portugal
• Stadium: Estádio da Luz
• Date: Friday, October 16
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 am IST (Thursday, Oct 15; 07:00 pm GMT/ 03:00 pm ET/ 12:00 pm PT)
• Referee: TBA
• VAR: In use

Form:

Benfica: W-W-W-L-W

Celtic: W-L-L-L-W

Players to Watch

Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica)

The 27-year-old is going to be an important aspect in the final third for the Liga Portugal side, Benfica. He only came on to the field for 10 minutes in the previous Europa League outing, but this time around, Vangelis Pavlidis will be all set to start. He will be once again deployed as the sole striker for the Eagles.

Benjamin Nygren (Celtic)

Benjamin Nygren will be one of the main men both in the midfield and the attacking front for Celtic FC. He has been one of the most consistent players for the Scottish Premiership side and will be looking to step up his game so that he can help his side stand a chance against Benfica.

Match Facts

• Benfica have secured four wins in their last five games.
• Celtic have faced a defeat in three of their last four fixtures.
• Only one of the eight outings between the two clubs ended in a draw.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Benfica to win @3/11 IvyBet
• Vangelis Pavlidis to score @7/10 BetVictor
• Goals over 3.5 @23/20 Betfair

Injury and Team News

Jakub Kaminski and Enzo Barrenechea will not be available for Benfica. They are injured.

For Celtic FC, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Yang Hyun-Jun, Callum Osmand and Alistair Johnson are not going to be in action due to their injuries.

Head-to-Head

Matches played: 8

Benfica (wins): 4

Celtic (wins): 3

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups

Benfica predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Soares (GK); Bah, Circati, Arujo, Dahl; Barreiro, Palhinha; Silva, Prestianni, Schjelderup; Pavlidis

Celtic predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Sinisalo (GK); Donovan, Murray, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Baur; Duran, Nygren, Tounekti; Hogh

Match Prediction

Due to better squad quality and the home-ground advantage, Benfica will have a slight edge over their opponents. Celtic FC will have a tough challenge on their hands and have very few chances of securing a positive result.

The Eagles are likely to emerge victorious and secure three points in their upcoming Europa League clash.

Prediction: Benfica 3-1 Celtic

Telecast Details

India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK: TNT Sports

Portugal: Sport TV, DAZN

USA: Paramount+, DAZN, TUDN

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