Omonia Nicosia
Benfica
>Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica Prediction & Betting Tips – 22/10/2026
Two sides with perfect Europa League records collide at the Neo GSP on Thursday evening, as Omonia Nicosia welcome Benfica to the Cypriot capital for a league stage fixture with real consequences at the top of the table. Both clubs have taken maximum points from their opening two matches, making this a genuine six-pointer in the race for automatic qualification. Omonia's remarkable defensive resilience meets Benfica's fearsome attacking potency in a clash of contrasting styles, with the Portuguese giants arriving in Nicosia well-rested and brimming with confidence.
Match Analysis
Benfica arrive in Nicosia as commanding favourites at 1.36, backed by 10 wins in their last 11 games across all competitions. Their Europa League form is particularly ruthless, including a 4-1 demolition of Celtic.
- 10 wins in 11 games across all competitions heading into this fixture.
- Averaging 3.00 goals per Europa League match, the most clinical attack in the competition.
- 4-1 win over Celtic in their last Europa League outing demonstrates elite European pedigree.
- Targeting three consecutive major European wins for the first time since the 2004-05 season.
Omonia Nicosia enter at 8.00, yet their defensive record commands respect: one of only three Europa League sides yet to concede this season, with 11 clean sheets in their last 15 home fixtures.
- Benfica's attack averaging 3.00 EL goals per game is a far superior test than previous opponents.
- Senou Coulibaly doubtful after being forced off last match, weakening defensive cover.
- A 2-2 domestic draw with Olimpiakos Nicosia reveals vulnerability when pressed high.
Key point: With Benfica rotating their backline and Omonia's defensive solidity intact, 2.40 offers an intriguing alternative angle if Omonia frustrate early.
Form & Statistics: Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica
Omonia Nicosia
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Benfica
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica
Omonia Nicosia
Starters
- 1 Fabiano Freitas
- 2 Jean-Kevin Duverne
- 3 Lubomir Satka
- 4 Jure Balkovec
- 5 Panagiotis Andreou
- 6 Ewandro
- 7 Mateo Maric
- 8 Muamer Tankovic
- 9 Jaden Montnor
- 10 Loïs Diony
- 11 Florin Tanase
Bench
- Nego
- Andronikos Kakoulis
- Athos Kounounis
- Angelos Neophytou
- Christos Konstantinidis
- Panagiotis Christoforou
- Luuk Brouwers
- Stefan Simic
- Pantelis Michael
- Kaminskyi
- Mihlali Mayambela
Absent
- Senou Coulibaly (injury)
- David Akintola (injury)
- Fotis Kitsos (injury)
- Carel Eiting (injury)
Benfica
Starters
- 1 Anatolii Trubin
- 2 Alexander Bah
- 3 Tomas Araujo
- 4 Clement Lenglet
- 5 Samuel Dahl
- 6 João Palhinha
- 7 Fredrik Aursnes
- 8 Rafa Silva
- 9 Claudio Echeverri
- 10 Andreas Schjelderup
- 11 Vangelis Pavlidis
Bench
- Samuel Soares
- Manu Silva
- Anísio Cabral
- Tiago Freitas
- Heorhii Sudakov
- Gabriel Índio
- Alessandro Circati
- Leandro Barreiro Martins
- Gianluca Prestianni
- Dodi Lukebakio
- Souffian El Karouani
- Jhon Durán
Absent
- Jakub Kamiński (injury)
- Gonçalo Oliveira (injury)
- Enzo Barrenechea (Meniscus Damage)
- Jaden Umeh (Muscle Injury)
- Banjaqui (Muscle Injury)
Medium confidence
A 4-4-2 against a 4-2-3-1 sets up an intriguing midfield contest at the GSP Stadium. Omonia will look to press in compact banks of four, whilst Benfica's double pivot of João Palhinha and Aursnes is designed precisely to absorb that pressure and recycle possession into the creative layer behind Pavlidis.
Benfica's probable XI was confirmed by a single outlet on matchday, a touch later than Omonia's multi-source build-up, so minor late changes cannot be entirely ruled out. Schjelderup and Rafa Silva operating either side of Echeverri will test a home backline that must stay disciplined across ninety minutes of European football.
Our Verdict
Benfica's away win at 1.36 is our pick, and the data supports it convincingly. The Portuguese side have won 10 of their last 11 across all competitions, scoring at least twice in each of those victories. Marco Silva's squad arrive well-rested, and their 4-1 demolition of Celtic underlined their European pedigree. Omonia's unbeaten home run and defensive resilience deserve respect, but Benfica's sheer attacking output should prove decisive. We also fancy over 2.5 goals at 1.57 as a value secondary selection. Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica?
The away win is the standout selection here, backed by a confidence rating of 72%. Benfica arrive having won 10 of their last 11 matches across all competitions, scoring two or more goals in 10 of those outings. Despite Omonia's admirable defensive record, the Portuguese side's attacking quality is simply a different proposition. Back Benfica at 1.36.
What time does Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica kick off?
The match kicks off at 19:00 UTC on Thursday, 22nd October 2026. The fixture takes place at the Neo GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus, which serves as Omonia Nicosia's home ground and will provide the backdrop for this intriguing Europa League League Stage encounter.
Where can I watch Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for Europa League fixtures vary depending on your territory. We recommend checking with your local sports broadcasters or streaming providers, such as TNT Sports and discovery+ in the United Kingdom, to confirm live coverage details for this match between Omonia Nicosia and Benfica.
What is Omonia Nicosia's recent record against Benfica?
The two sides have not met in recent times, making this something of a rare occasion. Their only known encounter dates back to the 1981-82 European Cup, lending the fixture a notable historical dimension. With no modern head-to-head record to draw upon, current form rather than history must guide any assessment of this match.