Benfica vs OFI Predicted Lineups: Team News and Key Players

Benfica host OFI in Lisbon in the final round of the UEFA Europa League league stage, with both sides looking to consolidate strong early-season European form. Although the official lineups are not yet confirmed, predicted lineups already give a clear picture of how this clash could unfold tactically.

In the competition’s overall league table, Benfica are listed 4th with 0 points from 0 games in the league round group, reflecting the early stage of the campaign rather than poor form. Their recent continental record is excellent: a league form string of LWWDWW and 19 goals scored in 6 matches underline their attacking power. OFI, ranked 25th with 0 points from 0 games, arrive with a perfect Europa League form line of WW, scoring 5 and conceding none in their first two outings.

With progression and seeding on the line in this league-stage Matchday 6 fixture, both managers are expected to field strong XIs. This preview focuses on predicted lineups, expected starting lineup structures, and how key players like Vangelis Pavlidis and Rafa could shape the contest under the lights in Lisbon.

Benfica Team News & Expected Lineups Today

Benfica come into this game in free-scoring form, averaging just over 3 goals per Europa League match and winning 4 of their last 6 in the competition. Their form string of LWWDWW suggests one setback followed by a largely dominant run, and that momentum should carry into the expected selection here. Crucially, there are no confirmed absences listed for this fixture, so the coach can draw from a deep and well-balanced squad.

Given Benfica’s attacking output and their tendency to dominate at home (14 goals scored in 3 recent home fixtures in this competition), the expected approach is again front-foot, with a creative midfield supporting a prolific front line. The predicted lineup is likely to lean heavily on players who have contributed goals and assists in Europe so far, ensuring plenty of firepower in the final third.

Benfica Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: A. Trubin
DF: A. Bah, C. Lenglet, Tomás Araújo, S. El Karouani
MF: H. Sudakov, L. Barreiro, J. Kamiński, Rafa
FW: V. Pavlidis, D. Lukebakio

This predicted starting lineup is built around Benfica’s Europa League stars. Up front, V. Pavlidis has been one of the standout performers in the competition: 5 goals and 1 assist from 3 appearances make him the primary goal threat and the focal point of the attack. D. Lukebakio, with 1 goal and 1 assist from 2 appearances, offers pace and direct running from wide or secondary striker zones, complementing Pavlidis’ penalty-box instincts.

Behind them, Rafa brings both creativity and end product. The Portuguese attacker has 2 goals and 1 assist in 4 Europa League outings and is expected to operate between the lines, linking midfield and attack and exploiting spaces around OFI’s defensive block. J. Kamiński, H. Sudakov and L. Barreiro all feature in the top-assists and top-midfield contributors list, each with at least 1 assist, providing ball progression, pressing energy and late arrivals around the box.

Defensively, C. Lenglet and Tomás Araújo both have Europa League goals to their name, underlining Benfica’s threat from set pieces. A. Bah has chipped in with an assist and is likely to provide width and overlapping runs from the right, while S. El Karouani is a natural fit on the left side of a back line that will look to sustain high territory. With A. Trubin in goal and a settled defensive core, Benfica should be confident of controlling both territory and tempo.

OFI Team News & Expected Lineups Today

OFI arrive with a perfect Europa League record so far, winning both of their league-stage matches with an aggregate score of 5–0. Their form string of WW and 2 clean sheets from 2 games point to a side that is compact, disciplined and efficient in transition. No injuries or suspensions are reported ahead of this trip to Lisbon, so the manager is expected to stick closely to the core that has delivered early success.

In their two Europa League outings, OFI have used an attacking-minded shape featuring three central defenders and active wing players, as indicated by their preferred 3-4-3 setup in recent matches. For the lineups today, that structure is likely to be maintained, with a strong emphasis on defensive organisation, quick counters and exploiting any space left by Benfica’s aggressive attacking unit.

OFI Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: N. Christogeorgos
DF: N. Marinakis, A. Poungouras, D. Nikolaou
MF: L. Dickmann, G. Kanellópoulos, A. Bouchalakis, T. Androutsos
FW: Aitor Cantalapiedra, T. Fountas, K. Kodro

OFI’s predicted starting lineup is built to mirror their recent success with three central defenders and a hard-working midfield line. At the back, N. Marinakis, A. Poungouras and D. Nikolaou offer a mix of experience and aerial strength, ideal for dealing with Benfica’s crosses and set pieces. Wing players L. Dickmann and T. Androutsos are expected to shuttle up and down the flanks, providing width in possession and doubling up defensively against Benfica’s wide threats like Rafa and Lukebakio.

In central midfield, G. Kanellópoulos and A. Bouchalakis give OFI a blend of ball-winning and distribution. Their ability to screen the back three and launch quick transitions will be crucial against a Benfica side that presses high and attacks with numbers. Up front, a front three of Aitor Cantalapiedra, T. Fountas and K. Kodro looks well-balanced: Cantalapiedra offers creativity and set-piece quality, Fountas brings mobility and movement between the lines, while Kodro provides a physical reference point to hold the ball up and occupy centre-backs.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With no confirmed injuries or suspensions listed for either side, this Europa League tie is set to be decided by tactical choices and form rather than enforced absences. Both squads can call on their key contributors, which should raise the overall quality and intensity of the match.

Benfica Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

OFI Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

Tactically, this game sets up as Benfica’s high-octane attack against OFI’s compact defensive structure and efficient counter-attacks. Benfica’s recent Europa League record of 19 goals in 6 matches, with an attacking index advantage of 78 vs 22 in the comparison metrics, suggests they will dominate territory and chances. With Pavlidis, Rafa, Schjelderup, Lukebakio and J. Durán all featuring among the competition’s top scorers or attacking contributors, the hosts have multiple ways to break down a block: through central combinations, wide overloads or set pieces.

OFI, however, bring their own strengths. Their defensive index is rated higher than Benfica’s, and they have yet to concede in this Europa League campaign, supported by a 100% clean-sheet record across two matches. Their preferred three-at-the-back structure naturally crowds the central areas where Pavlidis likes to operate, forcing Benfica to create from wide zones and second balls. The key tactical battle will likely be on the flanks: A. Bah and S. El Karouani pushing high for Benfica against the work rate and positional discipline of L. Dickmann and T. Androutsos. If OFI can keep those channels under control and spring quick counters into space behind Benfica’s full-backs, they have the tools to trouble the hosts, especially through runners like T. Fountas and the hold-up play of K. Kodro.

Match Prediction and Verdict

Stats suggest Benfica are the slight favourites, but not overwhelmingly so. The prediction model gives Benfica a 35% chance to win, the draw also at 35%, and OFI at 30%, underlining how competitive this tie could be despite Benfica’s higher overall comparison index (73 vs 27). Benfica’s league form of LWWDWW, their strong home scoring record and the presence of the competition’s leading scorer in V. Pavlidis all point towards the Portuguese side having the edge, especially with no major absences.

OFI’s perfect record (WW) and two clean sheets, combined with their more conservative but efficient style, suggest they are capable of frustrating Benfica for long periods and threatening on the break. However, over 90 minutes in Lisbon, Benfica’s depth in attacking talent and variety in chance creation should eventually tell. Expect OFI to be resilient, but Benfica’s firepower makes a narrow home victory the most likely outcome.

Predicted Outcome: Benfica 1–0 OFI

How to Watch Benfica vs OFI Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local sports pay-TV channel or streaming platform
• UK: Major sports broadcaster or official UEFA Europa League partner
• USA / North America: Regional sports network or dedicated soccer streaming service
• South America: Continental sports channel or local cable sports package
• MENA: Pan-regional sports network with UEFA Europa League rights