Omonia Nicosia face Benfica in the UEFA Europa League, matchday 3 of the league phase, on 22 October 2026. Kick-off is at 20:00 BST (19:00 UTC) at GSP Stadium, Nicosia. Omonia Nicosia hold 6th place in the Europa League with 6 points from 2 matches. Benfica are in 3rd position, also with 6 points from 2 matches. Our predictions for the round start here.
Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica Team News
Omonia Nicosia are missing Akintola, an attacker, due to a muscle injury. Eiting, a midfielder, is sidelined with a knee injury. Kitsos is also out with a knee injury. These absences leave Omonia short in both midfield and attacking options.
Benfica will be without Banjaqui, a defender, who is out with a muscle injury. Barrenechea, a midfielder, is unavailable due to injury. Kaminski, an attacker, is also sidelined with a muscle injury, affecting their depth in defence and attack.
Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica Match Preview
In matchday 3 of the Europa League, Omonia Nicosia, currently 6th, are level on points with the leaders, Juventus. A win could propel them above Bournemouth, who sit just above them. Benfica, in 3rd, also have 6 points and are eyeing a move past Bayer Leverkusen, who are directly ahead of them with the same points.
Omonia Nicosia, under H. Berg, often utilise a 4-3-3 formation, indicating a preference for possession and attacking play, especially at home where they are strong. Benfica, managed by Marco Silva, typically set up in a 4-2-3-1, suggesting they may sit deeper and look to exploit counter-attacking opportunities away from home.
This match will settle which team can break away in this tightly contested group. Fans will debate whether Omonia’s home strength or Benfica’s tactical flexibility will prevail. Football betting tips explore these dynamics. Our Football betting tips cover the rest of the round.
Omonia Nicosia Recent Form
| Match | Date | Competition | Result | W/D/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omonia Nicosia vs Olympiakos | 2026-10-19 | 1. Division | 2-2 | D |
| Celje vs Omonia Nicosia | 2026-10-15 | UEFA Europa League | 0-3 | W |
| Karmiotissa vs Omonia Nicosia | 2026-10-09 | 1. Division | 0-3 | W |
| Omonia Nicosia vs Krasava Ypsonas | 2026-09-20 | 1. Division | 4-1 | W |
| Omonia Nicosia vs Celta Vigo | 2026-09-16 | UEFA Europa League | 1-0 | W |
Omonia Nicosia have been impressive across all competitions, securing 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 matches. They scored 13 goals and conceded only 3, maintaining 3 clean sheets. At home in the Europa League, they have played 3 matches, winning all, scoring 6 and conceding 2. The team had 4 straight wins before the 2-2 draw at home to Olympiakos on 19 October.
Benfica Recent Form
| Match | Date | Competition | Result | W/D/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica vs Celtic | 2026-10-15 | UEFA Europa League | 4-1 | W |
| Benfica vs Vitória SC | 2026-10-11 | Primeira Liga | 2-0 | W |
| FC Porto vs Benfica | 2026-09-20 | Primeira Liga | 3-1 | L |
| AC Milan vs Benfica | 2026-09-16 | UEFA Europa League | 0-2 | W |
| Benfica vs GIL Vicente | 2026-09-13 | Primeira Liga | 3-1 | W |
Benfica have secured 4 wins and 1 loss across all competitions in their last 5 matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding 5. In the Europa League, they have played 4 away matches, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing 1, scoring 7 and conceding 4. They have won each of their last 2 matches, the latest a 4-1 win at home to Celtic on 15 October.
Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica Head-to-Head
Omonia Nicosia and Benfica have not met in a competitive fixture in our data.
Predicted Lineups
Omonia Nicosia Predicted Lineup
Fabiano; Balkovec, Šatka, Coulibaly, Duverne; Marić, Tankovic, Andreou; Montnor, Diony, Ewandro.
Omonia Nicosia have used 4-3-3 in 4 of their 6 UEFA Europa League matches this season, and this is the eleven that started their match against Celje on 15 October.
Benfica Predicted Lineup
Trubin; Dahl, Lenglet, Tomás Araújo, Bah; João Palhinha, Aursnes; Prestianni, Sudakov, Lukebakio; Durán.
Benfica have used 4-2-3-1 in 5 of their 8 UEFA Europa League matches this season, and this is the eleven that started their last match.
Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica Match Analysis
In their last five matches across all competitions, Omonia Nicosia have exceeded their expected goals (xG) total of 2.44 by scoring 4 goals. This suggests an efficiency in converting chances, as they are scoring above what their xG indicates. This points to the goals markets rather than the result.
Omonia Nicosia tend to score between the 16th and 30th minute and between the 76th and 90th minute, with 4 goals in each window in the Europa League. Benfica, however, have scored consistently across all periods, with a notable 5 goals between the 31st and 45th minute. This timing pattern suggests potential for both teams to score.
In their last five matches across all competitions, Benfica average 17.8 shots per match with 54.8% possession, suggesting they can maintain pressure and control. Omonia Nicosia, with 12.0 shots and 42.5% possession, may struggle against a deep block. This points to the goals markets rather than the result.
Omonia Nicosia have conceded only 2 goals in their last five matches across all competitions, despite an xG against total of 2.14, showing defensive resilience.
Key Factors
The match turns on Omonia’s home strength against Benfica’s tactical flexibility.
- Omonia Nicosia are missing Akintola, affecting their attacking options.
- Omonia Nicosia have scored 6 goals at home in the Europa League.
- Benfica have scored 7 goals in 4 away matches in the Europa League.
- Omonia Nicosia utilise a 4-3-3 formation, favouring possession and attacking play.
- Benfica average 17.8 shots per match across all competitions.
Free Tips
Omonia Nicosia won, drew or lost by no more than 1 in their last 5 matches across all competitions.
The match had 3 or fewer goals in 3 of Omonia Nicosia's last 5 matches across all competitions, and only 2 of Benfica's last 5 matches support this.
At least one side failed to score in 3 of Omonia Nicosia's last 5 matches across all competitions, but only 1 of Benfica's 4 away Europa League games saw both teams score.
Omonia Nicosia won or drew in their last 5 matches across all competitions.
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Our Verdict
I lean towards Omonia Nicosia having a slight edge, given their strong home form in the Europa League. Their ability to maintain possession and attack effectively at home could be crucial. The key factor is their defensive resilience, which has been impressive. I am comfortable with this view, supported by their recent performances.
If Benfica’s attacking prowess, particularly their ability to score consistently across all periods, disrupts Omonia’s defence, my view could shift. The scenario of Benfica controlling possession more than expected is the least predictable aspect. Keeping track of live updates on the BC.Game sports betting app might offer additional insights.
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Written by Ian Fletcher, football analyst, Betting.BC.Game
Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica Prediction
The data points to a tightly contested match between Omonia Nicosia and Benfica, with a goalless draw being a likely outcome. Expect few goals and a lack of scoring from both sides. For detailed selections and the available prices at the time of writing, refer to the table below.
Our Prediction: Omonia Nicosia 0-0 Benfica
| Prediction | Pick | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Draw | 5.00 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 | 2.38 |
| Both Teams to Score | No | 1.91 |
| Correct Score | 0-0 | 15.54 |
Predicted score: Omonia Nicosia 0-0 Benfica, available at 15.54. It is the likeliest scoreline that fits every tip above, shown as our forecast rather than a recommended bet.
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Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica FAQ
Who will win Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica?
I’d leave it open. Both teams have 6 points in the Europa League. It’s tight, and neither side is clearly favoured. A draw seems likely, but it’s a tough call.
What is the predicted score for Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica?
The predicted score is 0-0. Omonia’s defence, with 3 clean sheets in their last 5 matches, suggests a low-scoring game. Benfica might struggle to break them down.
What time is kick-off for Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica?
Kick-off is at 20:00 BST. Be ready by then. It’s a prime-time slot, so you’ve got plenty of time to settle in.
Does the venue matter in Omonia Nicosia vs Benfica?
Yes, it does. Omonia have won all 3 of their home matches in the Europa League. Their home form gives them an edge, though Benfica’s experience might balance it out.
