2026-2027 Europa League: Benfica vs. Celtic, Probable Lineups

On Thursday evening, Benfica will host Celtic at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon in a match scheduled for 9 p.m. as part of Matchday 2 of the Europa League group stage.

Benfica is looking to build on its 2-0 victory over Milan at San Siro in its European debut, a result that allowed the Portuguese side to get off to the best possible start in the competition. Celtic, on the other hand, is looking to bounce back from a 3-1 home loss to Ferencváros and is seeking crucial points to get back on track in the competition.

Marco Silva’s Benfica is expected to rely on Jhon Duran as the focal point of the attack, supported by Dodi Lukebakio, Georgiy Sudakov, and Jakub Kaminski in the attacking midfield. Fredrik Aursnes and João Palhinha are expected in midfield, while Daniel Banjaqui and Souffian El Karouani should play on the defensive flanks.

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic is expected to respond with Camilo Duràn leading the attack, flanked by James Forrest and Haissem Hassan. In midfield, Callum McGregor, Mika Baur, and Oliver Soerensen are expected to start, with Colby Donovan and Kieran Tierney likely to start on the defensive flanks.

Probable Lineups

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Banjaqui, Araújo, Circati, El Karouani; Aursnes, Palhinha; Lukebakio, Sudakov, Kaminski; Duran. Head Coach: Marco Silva. Celtic (4-3-3): Sinisalo; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Baur, Soerensen; Hassan, Forrest, Camilo Duràn. Head Coach: Martin O’Neill.