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Plzen vs Benfica Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

Plzen welcome Benfica to Doosan Arena in Plzen on 26 November 2026 in UEFA Europa League League Stage - 5, a fixture that pitches one of the competition’s lowest-ranked sides against a genuine contender. With the league-stage table still shaping the path to the knockout rounds, this clash matters for both ends of the overall ranking.

Plzen come into this round sitting 36th in the League Round standings with 0 points and no group-stage goals yet on the board. Their Europa League campaign has been inconsistent in early fixtures, but a thumping home win and a heavy away defeat in recent tournament matches show they are capable of extremes. Benfica, ranked 4th with 0 points in the central standings snapshot but boasting outstanding recent Europa League form, arrive as one of the most dangerous attacking units in the competition.

For bettors and fans looking at Plzen vs Benfica prediction and betting tips, the underlying stats are stark: Benfica’s recent Europa League numbers point to a high-scoring side with strong momentum, while Plzen are still trying to find stability at this level. The stage is set for a fascinating contrast between a rising heavyweight and a home underdog hoping to make Doosan Arena a difficult stop on the League Stage circuit.

Plzen vs Benfica Key Stats

  • In the overall Europa League League Round standings snapshot, Plzen are 36th with 0 points and 0 goals scored and conceded in the official table, while Benfica sit 4th, also on 0 points but with far superior recent form.
  • There are no previous head-to-head meetings listed between Plzen and Benfica in this Europa League dataset.
  • Across their recent Europa League fixtures, Benfica have scored 19 goals and conceded just 6 in 6 matches (average 3.2 scored and 1.0 conceded per game), while Plzen have scored 5 and conceded 4 in 2 matches (2.5 scored and 2.0 conceded per game).

Plzen vs Benfica — Tale of the Tape

  • Position: 36 vs 4
  • Points: 0 vs 0
  • Goals For: 0 vs 0
  • Goals Against: 0 vs 0
  • Clean Sheets: Plzen 0 (tournament statistics), Benfica 1 (tournament statistics)

On raw League Round standings alone, both Plzen and Benfica are listed with 0 games played, 0 goals scored and conceded, and 0 points. That reflects the centralised league-stage snapshot rather than the full body of recent Europa League fixtures, so the crucial differentiator here is form rather than the bare table.

Looking at wider tournament statistics, Benfica’s profile is that of a top-tier Europa League side: 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss from 6 fixtures, 19 goals scored and only 6 conceded. Plzen, by contrast, have played 2 recent Europa League fixtures, winning 1 and losing 1, with a 5-4 goal difference. Benfica’s higher rank (4th vs 36th) and much stronger attacking record underline why they are widely expected to dominate the ball and territory, even away from home.

Plzen vs Benfica Key Matchups

Plzen defensive unit vs V. Pavlidis

Plzen’s back line, which has conceded 4 goals in 2 recent Europa League fixtures, will be severely tested by Vangelis Pavlidis. The Benfica forward is both the competition’s top scorer and top assist provider in this dataset, with 5 goals and 1 assist in just 3 appearances. He has also picked up 1 yellow card, underlining his aggressive, front-foot style. With Benfica averaging 3.2 goals per game in recent Europa League outings, containing Pavlidis’ movement in and around the box will be decisive for Plzen’s hopes of a result.

Plzen midfield vs Rafa

Another key duel will be between Plzen’s central midfielders and Rafa, who has been one of Benfica’s most productive attacking outlets. Rafa has 2 goals and 1 assist from 4 Europa League appearances, making him a consistent threat between the lines. Plzen’s midfield, which has helped the side score 5 goals in 2 recent games but also allowed 2.0 goals per match on average, must track Rafa’s runs and prevent him from linking with Pavlidis and the wide forwards. If they fail to disrupt his influence, Benfica’s attacking rhythm could overwhelm the hosts.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

There are no recorded recent head-to-head meetings between Plzen and Benfica in this Europa League dataset, so this League Stage fixture effectively starts with a clean slate in terms of direct history.

    Plzen vs Benfica Prediction

    All indicators point to Benfica travelling to Plzen as clear favourites. Recent form metrics give Benfica a significant edge: their last-five record shows 18 goals scored and just 4 conceded across 5 matches, with an attacking index of 100 and a strong defensive profile. Plzen, by comparison, have a last-five form index of 50, with 5 goals for and 4 against in 2 games, and a more modest attacking index of 29.

    The prediction model assigns Plzen only a 10% chance of victory, with the draw and Benfica win each rated at 45%. That effectively frames this as “Benfica or draw” territory, reflected in the advice of a double chance on the visitors combined with at least two total goals. Plzen’s home record in recent Europa League fixtures (a 5-1 win) suggests they can contribute on the scoresheet, but Benfica’s overall quality and depth, especially in attack, should tell over 90 minutes.

    Predicted Score: Plzen 1-2 Benfica

    Plzen Recent Form

    Plzen’s Europa League recent form is mixed but volatile. Over 2 recent fixtures they have 1 win and 1 loss, with a “LW” pattern that reflects a heavy 3-0 defeat away and an emphatic 5-1 victory at home. They average 2.5 goals scored and 2.0 conceded per match, highlighting both attacking potential and defensive vulnerability. Notably, they have yet to keep a clean sheet in these tournament statistics and have failed to score once, underlining their inconsistency.

    Benfica Recent Form

    Benfica arrive in outstanding Europa League form, with a sequence of “LWWDWW” across 6 recent fixtures. They have won 4, drawn 1 and lost just 1, scoring 19 goals and conceding only 6. Their last-five snapshot is even more impressive: 18 goals for and 4 against in 5 games, with attacking and defensive indices both strong. Benfica have scored in every recent Europa League fixture and kept 1 clean sheet, making them one of the most balanced sides in the competition.

    Plzen Possible Starting Lineup

    GK: D. Ťapaj or M. Tvrdoň; Defenders: Merchas Doski, S. Dweh, A. Gabriel, V. Jemelka; Midfielders: L. Červ, P. Hrošovský, A. Memić, C. Souaré, D. Višinský; Forwards: M. Vydra, P. Adu, B. Faal, C. Kabongo, S. Lawal, M. Toure.

    Plzen’s squad list suggests flexibility between a back four and a three-centre-back setup, as reflected in their recent use of 4-4-1-1 and 3-5-1-1 formations in Europa League fixtures. With multiple attacking options such as M. Vydra, P. Adu and B. Faal, they can either sit deep and counter or press higher at home. However, their tournament statistics show 4 goals conceded in 2 games and no clean sheets, so defensive organisation and protection in front of the back line will be critical against Benfica’s high-powered attack.

    Benfica Possible Starting Lineup

    GK: A. Trubin; Defenders: A. Bah, C. Lenglet, Tomás Araújo, S. Dahl; Midfielders: F. Aursnes, L. Barreiro, E. Barrenechea, H. Sudakov, J. Kamiński; Forwards: V. Pavlidis, Rafa, D. Lukebakio, J. Durán, G. Prestianni, Bruma, A. Schjelderup.

    Benfica have alternated between 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-3-2 in their 6 recent Europa League fixtures, and their squad composition supports both systems. The back line is anchored by C. Lenglet and Tomás Araújo, each with 1 Europa League goal, while A. Bah offers width and 1 assist from right-back. In attack, Pavlidis leads the line with 5 goals and 1 assist, supported by Rafa (2 goals, 1 assist) and a deep bench of forwards including D. Lukebakio, J. Durán, G. Prestianni and A. Schjelderup, all of whom have scored in the competition. This depth makes Benfica dangerous for the full 90 minutes, with plenty of options to change the game from the bench.

    Plzen Team News

    No significant absences reported.

    Benfica Team News

    No significant absences reported.

    Injuries & Suspensions

    Plzen:

    • None reported.

    Benfica:

    • None reported.

    Betting Tips: Plzen vs Benfica

    Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

    • Result Tip: Back Benfica in the double chance market (Benfica or draw). The prediction model gives Plzen only a 10% chance of victory, with both the draw and Benfica win rated at 45%. Benfica’s recent Europa League record of 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, combined with 19 goals scored in 6 matches, strongly supports a pro-Benfica stance even away from home.
    • Goals Tip: Over 1.5 total goals. The advice specifically highlights a combo of double chance on Benfica or draw with +1.5 goals, and the underlying numbers back a goals-based angle: Plzen’s recent Europa League matches average 4.5 total goals per game (5 for, 4 against across 2 fixtures), while Benfica’s average is 4.2 (19 for, 6 against in 6 games). Both attacks have been productive, and both defences have shown they can concede.
    • Value Tip: Benfica to score at least 2 goals. With Pavlidis on 5 goals and 1 assist in 3 appearances, and secondary scorers such as Rafa, D. Lukebakio, J. Durán, G. Prestianni, C. Lenglet and Tomás Araújo all contributing, Benfica have multiple goal sources. They have scored 3 or more in several recent Europa League fixtures and average 3.2 per game, while Plzen concede 2.0 per match. That attacking depth makes a Benfica multi-goal performance an appealing value angle.

    Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

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