Plzen vs Benfica Prediction: Key Stats and Betting Tips

Plzen welcome Benfica to Doosan Arena in Plzen on 26 November 2026 for a UEFA Europa League League Stage - 5 clash that could prove pivotal for both clubs’ ambitions in this extended league-format phase. With the Czech side sitting low in the overall league ranking and Benfica pushing near the top, this fixture offers a classic meeting between an underdog host and a European heavyweight.

Plzen are currently ranked 36th in the Europa League league table with 0 points and no matches yet registered in the standings block, but their early tournament statistics show a team capable of explosive attacking performances at home. Benfica, by contrast, are ranked 4th, also on 0 points in the standings but boasting outstanding Europa League statistics so far, especially in front of goal. For bettors and fans searching for Plzen vs Benfica prediction, Plzen vs Benfica betting tips, and detailed Europa League analysis, this matchup is one of the standout ties of this round.

With Benfica coming in on a strong run of recent tournament form and Plzen trying to turn a mixed start into a statement result at home, this game should offer an intriguing tactical and statistical contrast: Benfica’s relentless attacking output against a Plzen side that has already shown both scoring power and defensive vulnerability.

Plzen vs Benfica Key Stats

• From the overall Europa League standings, Plzen are ranked 36th while Benfica sit 4th in the League Round table.
• No previous head-to-head meetings are recorded between Plzen and Benfica in the available data.
• In tournament statistics, Benfica have scored 19 goals in 6 Europa League fixtures (3.2 per match), while Plzen have hit 5 in just 2 games (2.5 per match) but conceded 4 (2.0 per match).

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; Benfica 1 (tournament statistics)

On paper, the overall Europa League league table paints a clear picture. Benfica’s 4th place ranking in the League Round contrasts sharply with Plzen’s 36th position. While both sides are listed on 0 points in the standings snapshot, Benfica’s underlying Europa League statistics — 4 wins from 6 fixtures and 19 goals scored — underline why they are considered one of the stronger teams in the competition.

Plzen, meanwhile, are very much in the chasing pack. Their tournament stats show just 2 fixtures so far, with 1 win and 1 defeat, and a remarkable 5-1 home win offset by a heavy 3-0 away loss. That volatility, combined with no clean sheets and 4 goals conceded in 2 matches, suggests that while they can hurt opponents at Doosan Arena, they are also susceptible at the back. Benfica’s more balanced profile — prolific in attack and relatively solid defensively with only 6 conceded in 6 games — gives the Portuguese side a significant edge heading into this tie.

Plzen vs Benfica Key Matchups

Plzen defence vs V. Pavlidis

With no Plzen players appearing in the Europa League top scorers or assists lists, the most decisive individual battle is likely to be between the Plzen back line and Benfica’s standout forward V. Pavlidis. The Greek striker has been one of the stars of the competition so far, scoring 5 goals and providing 1 assist in just 3 appearances. He has also picked up 1 yellow card, underlining his combative edge. Against a Plzen defence that has already conceded 4 goals in 2 matches and suffered a 3-0 away defeat, Pavlidis’ penalty-box presence and finishing form could be the defining factor.

Plzen midfield vs Rafa

Another crucial duel will be in the middle and final thirds, where Plzen’s midfield unit must try to contain Rafa. The Portuguese attacker has 2 goals and 1 assist from 4 Europa League appearances, making him a consistent contributor to Benfica’s high-scoring attack. His ability to link play and arrive in dangerous areas between the lines will test Plzen’s central players, particularly given that the Czech side’s tournament numbers show 2.0 goals conceded per game. If Rafa finds space between the lines, Benfica’s already impressive average of 3.2 goals per match could continue to rise.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

There are no recorded recent meetings between Plzen and Benfica in the available head-to-head data. This will therefore be a fresh tactical matchup, with no recent historical pattern to lean on for trends.

Plzen vs Benfica Prediction

The statistical balance is heavily tilted towards Benfica. Recent form indices give Benfica a strong edge: their last-five form rating stands at 87 out of 100, with attack at a perfect 100 and defence at 76, compared to Plzen’s last-five form at 50, attack 29 and defence 76. Benfica have scored 18 goals and conceded just 4 across their last five matches, while Plzen’s early Europa League numbers show both high scoring at home and significant defensive frailty.

The prediction model assigns only a 10% chance to a Plzen win, with the draw and Benfica victory each at 45%. That effectively makes Benfica overwhelming favourites in the “win or draw” market, reflected in the advice to back a double chance on draw or Benfica combined with over 1.5 goals. Plzen’s home goal average of 5.0 from a very small sample suggests they can at least threaten, but Benfica’s attacking consistency and deeper squad quality should tell over 90 minutes. Expect the visitors to control possession, create the bulk of chances and ultimately have too much firepower.

Predicted Score: Plzen 1-2 Benfica

Plzen Recent Form

Plzen’s recent Europa League form is mixed. Their form string is short, reflecting very few matches played, but the underlying stats show one emphatic home win (5-1) and one heavy away defeat (3-0). Across 2 tournament fixtures they have scored 5 goals (2.5 per match) and conceded 4 (2.0 per match), with no clean sheets and one match in which they failed to score. That volatility makes them dangerous but unreliable, especially against higher-ranked opposition.

Benfica Recent Form

Benfica arrive in excellent shape. Their Europa League form line reads LWWDWW, with 4 wins, 1 draw and just 1 defeat from 6 fixtures. They have scored 19 goals (3.2 per match) and conceded only 6 (1.0 per match). Their last-five form index is 87 out of 100, with a maximum 100 in attack and 76 in defence, reflecting both their offensive dominance and solid back-line work. They have also kept 1 clean sheet in the competition and have yet to fail to score in any Europa League match.

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 or P. Adu.

Plzen have a relatively young squad mixed with a few experienced names such as P. Hrošovský and M. Vydra. Defensively, options like Merchas Doski, S. Dweh and V. Jemelka will be key in trying to contain Benfica’s multi-pronged attack. In midfield, L. Červ and P. Hrošovský are likely to shoulder much of the responsibility in screening the back four and launching counters. Up front, Vydra’s experience or the energy of P. Adu and B. Faal could be used to exploit any space left by Benfica’s adventurous full-backs. Tactically, Plzen have alternated between 4-4-1-1 and 3-5-1-1 in the competition, and may opt for the extra centre-back against such strong opposition.

Benfica Possible Starting Lineup

GK: A. Trubin; Defenders: A. Bah, C. Lenglet, Tomás Araújo, S. Dahl; Midfielders: E. Barrenechea, L. Barreiro, H. Sudakov, J. Kamiński; Forwards: Rafa, V. Pavlidis.

Benfica’s squad depth is impressive, particularly in attacking and creative areas. At the back, C. Lenglet and Tomás Araújo both bring Europa League goals from defence, while A. Bah offers width and has already contributed an assist. In midfield, players like E. Barrenechea, L. Barreiro, H. Sudakov and J. Kamiński have all featured regularly, with several providing assists. Up front, the combination of Rafa and V. Pavlidis is especially dangerous: Pavlidis leads the competition’s scoring charts for Benfica with 5 goals and 1 assist, while Rafa adds 2 goals and 1 assist of his own. Benfica have predominantly lined up in 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-3-2 shapes, both of which allow them to flood the final third with runners around Pavlidis.

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 “win or draw” double chance market. The prediction model gives Plzen only a 10% chance of victory, with both the draw and Benfica win at 45%, and Benfica’s recent form (4 wins and 1 draw in 6 Europa League games) strongly supports a conservative angle favouring the visitors.
• Goals Tip: Over 1.5 total goals. Both teams’ Europa League statistics point towards goals: Plzen’s matches have averaged 4.5 goals (5 scored, 4 conceded in 2 games), while Benfica’s have averaged 4.2 (19 scored, 6 conceded in 6 games). The prediction advice explicitly combines a double chance on draw or Benfica with over 1.5 goals, reinforcing this angle.
• Value Tip: V. Pavlidis to score anytime. The Benfica forward has 5 goals and 1 assist in 3 Europa League appearances and also appears at the top of the yellow-card and assists lists for his club, indicating heavy involvement in attacking phases. Against a Plzen defence that has conceded 4 goals in 2 tournament games and has yet to keep a clean sheet, Pavlidis represents a logical value-based scorer selection.

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