Prediction: Benfica vs Celtic

In what is a heavyweight Europa League showdown on Thursday night, Benfica will welcome Celtic to the Estadio da Luz.

With the European action rolling onto Thursday, there are plenty of eye-catching Europa League betting promotions available.

Verdict: Benfica win & Under 4.5 goals

Starting with the hosts, while Benfica might have entered September’s extended international break with a nightmare 3-1 drumming against bitter domestic foes Porto, it appears that was just a minor boost for Marco Silva’s men. Marking their return from the interval with a routine 2-0 win at home against Guimaraes last weekend, the former Fulham boss has his sights set on mounting a genuine Primeira Liga title charge this year. Enjoying a dominant start to the 2026/27 campaign, Benfica also opened their Champions League adventure with a stellar performance on foreign soil. Making a heavyweight statement at the San Siro as they secured a 2-0 victory against Italian icons AC Milan, the Eagles have won nine of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions. Likewise, Silva’s side have won all of their last four straight showdowns at the Estadio da Luz by an aggregate score of 10-3.

While Clement Lenglet might have missed out against Guimaraes over the weekend after serving a domestic suspension, the French defender is free to feature on Thursday night. Undergoing knee surgery last month, Benfica will also be without ex-Aston Villa midfielder Enzo Barrenechea.

Enjoying another sensational domestic flurry this season and already notching eight goals in as many Primeira Liga appearances, Greek international Vangelis Pavlidis will spearhead Benfica’s attack. Making a permanent switch from Bayern Munich over the summer, Joao Palhinha will start in the middle of the park.

As for the visitors, marking their respective return from September’s extended international break with a 2-0 victory away at Motherwell last weekend, Celtic are now desperately searching for some essential stability. While the Scottish heavyweights might have successfully defended their Premiership crown in the most dramatic of circumstances back in May, Martin O’Neill’s side have come under some serious scrutiny this time around. Getting their Europa League adventure underway with a downbeat 3-1 defeat at home against Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros, Celtic look set for what will certainly be another stern examination when they travel to Portugal on Thursday night. Pencilled in as a major underdog contender in midweek, it should also be highlighted that O’Neill’s men have lost all of their three historic trips to Benfica by an aggregate score of 6-1.

Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Celtic will travel to Portugal on Thursday night without the duo of Callum Osmand and Canadian international Alistair Johnston. However, former Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney is expected to feature at the Estadio da Luz.

Making a maiden appearance off the bench on Sunday afternoon, one-time Benfica youngster Jota should get some more minutes under his belt. While record-breaking summer recruit Kasper Hogh might have failed to find the net since the start of August, the 25-year-old will lead O’Neill’s attack.

Benfica vs Celtic Key Factors to Consider

• When Benfica last welcomed Celtic to Portugal way back in November 2012, the Eagles collected a 2-1 victory.
• In fact, Benfica have won all of their three historic showdowns at home against Thursday’s guests by an aggregate score of 6-1.
• Benfica have won nine of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions.
• Despite marking their return from September’s international break with an essential 2-0 victory away at Motherwell last weekend, Celtic have lost each of their other three outings across all fronts.
• Greek international Vangelis Pavlidis has registered eight goals in as many Primeira Liga appearances so far this season.

Getting their Europa League campaign underway with a famous 2-0 victory away at AC Milan last month, Benfica will certainly be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Winning nine of their previous 10 appearances across all competitions, the Portuguese giants will be confident of making another statement on Thursday night. Likewise, winning all of their three historic battles against Celtic at the Estadio da Luz by an aggregate score of 6-1, Silva’s side are installed as a landslide contender in midweek.

Verdict: Benfica win & Under 4.5 goals

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