- Benfica have won 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions, losing 1 (W4, L1).
- Benfica and Celtic have faced each other on 8 previous occasions in European competition, dating back decades.
Benfica’s tempo to test the Hoops
Benfica enter Thursday's fixture in fine form and should have enough tempo and class to defeat a Celtic side that have been unconvincing when tested on the road recently.
Benfica are 7th in the UEFA Europa League 2026/2027 group table with 3 points from 1 game, but the Hoops have yet to take a point from the competition after 1 game in 28th place.
Marco Silva has his players playing a fast-paced, positive style in which they dominate possession and attack with numbers from a 4-3-3 base. Benfica's high tempo, combined with some intelligent pressing, has been a recipe for success in recent weeks and could cause problems for Celtic in transition on Thursday.
Silva’s side have the tools to trouble the Bhoys
Dodi Lukebakio has been Benfica's star man so far this season in the competition, scoring 1 goal in 1 game, while Jakub Kaminski has added 1 assist in the same number of appearances. The most threatening Celtic player in the Europa League has been Mika Baur, who has scored 1 goal in 1. The winger also has 2 goals in his last 5 appearances in all competitions, and with Kieran Tierney also on the pitch, the visitors have some quality in wide areas that could trouble Benfica. Martin O'Neill has set his players up to be compact, pragmatic and to press in numbers when the opportunity arises. Celtic have to stay organised and can be dangerous on the break if they can force Benfica into errors, which they are capable of doing.
O’Neill’s side can be exposed on the counter
However, Benfica have won their last 2 home matches, which suggests that they won't be rattled by a big crowd at Estadio da Luz on Thursday.
Celtic have won 2 of their last 3 on the road, but both of those wins were against weak opposition, so we're still not convinced by their ability to perform away from home when the pressure is on.
Benfica to win at 6/25 is the selection for Thursday's fixture and it does look a very short price, but we like the fact that the Eagles can win this game in a controlled, but 'lively' fashion. The visitors can push in parts of the game, but Benfica's quality and tempo should see them home. Over 2.5 goals is also favored at 11/25, while Both Teams to Score - No at 91/100 looks a decent play considering how quiet Celtic have been in front of goal in the UEFA Europa League this season.
