NEC Nijmegen vs Benfica Predicted Lineups: Team News for UEFA Europa League

NEC Nijmegen welcome Benfica to Goffertstadion in the UEFA Europa League league stage, with both sides opening their 2026 European campaign. NEC arrive as one of the lower-ranked seeds in the league round, listed 24th in the overall table with 0 points and no games played yet, while Benfica come in as one of the early favourites, ranked 4th and also yet to begin their group schedule.

With the league stage only just getting underway, this clash is a major early benchmark for both teams. For NEC, taking something at home against a high-powered Benfica attack would be a statement result and a huge boost to their chances of progressing to the play-offs. For Benfica, who come into Europe off a strong recent run of form domestically and in qualifiers, this is the kind of away fixture they are expected to control. That makes the predicted lineups and expected starting lineup particularly important for bettors and fans tracking how seriously each coach approaches rotation at this stage.

Benfica’s recent record suggests a side in excellent rhythm: across their last five matches in all competitions they have an 87% results score, averaging 3.6 goals scored and only 0.8 conceded per game. NEC, by contrast, have no competitive data in this Europa League season yet, which heightens the uncertainty around their exact tactical setup and starting XI. This preview focuses on analytically derived predicted lineups today, using squad lists and key player stats rather than any official team sheets.

NEC Nijmegen Team News & Expected Lineups Today

NEC Nijmegen enter this league stage tie without any confirmed injuries or suspensions listed, so the expectation is that the coach has close to a full squad to choose from. With no recent Europa League form string available, NEC’s approach is likely to be pragmatic: a compact, hard-working structure that looks to protect the back line and then break through experienced attacking options like D. Tadić and W. Willumsson.

Given the step up in opposition quality against Benfica, NEC’s expected plan should lean towards defensive stability first, using a deep block and disciplined midfield screen. The absence of any reported absences means selection decisions are tactical rather than forced, which should help the coach field what he considers his strongest possible starting lineup for this high-profile home fixture.

NEC Nijmegen Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: G. Crettaz
DF: B. Nuytinck, P. Sandler, P. Schuurs, T. Storm
MF: T. Chery, D. Geiger, D. Nejašmić, Jamiro Monteiro
FW: D. Tadić, W. Willumsson

This predicted lineup leans heavily on NEC’s most experienced spine. At the back, B. Nuytinck, P. Sandler and P. Schuurs give the coach multiple options for a robust central defensive unit, with T. Storm providing mobility and balance in the back line. In midfield, the technical quality and game management of T. Chery and Jamiro Monteiro can help NEC retain possession under pressure, while D. Geiger and D. Nejašmić add legs and defensive coverage in central areas.

Up front, D. Tadić and W. Willumsson are the obvious focal points. Tadić’s creativity, set-piece threat and ability to drop between the lines will be vital if NEC are to create chances against a Benfica side that likes to press high. Willumsson offers intelligent movement and finishing, ideal for exploiting any space left behind Benfica’s attacking full-backs. With no NEC players appearing in the current Europa League top scorers or assists lists, the side will lean on these seasoned attackers to punch above their statistical weight.

Benfica Team News & Expected Lineups Today

Benfica travel to Nijmegen in excellent form, with their league form string reading LWWDWW in recent Europa League-related action, underpinned by a prolific attack that has scored 19 goals in their last 6 matches in this competition. There are no listed injuries or suspensions affecting their squad, so the coach can rotate or go full strength as needed. With lineups today expected to reflect their attacking identity, Benfica should still field a side capable of dominating territory and chance creation.

The Portuguese side’s squad is deep, but their Europa League top scorers and assists charts clearly highlight a core attacking group: V. Pavlidis, Rafa, A. Schjelderup and D. Lukebakio have all contributed goals and assists, while defenders like C. Lenglet and full-back A. Bah have also chipped in offensively. That attacking depth, combined with strong recent results, suggests Benfica will look to impose themselves from the start rather than sit back, even away from home.

Benfica Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: A. Trubin
DF: A. Bah, C. Lenglet, Tomás Araújo, S. El Karouani
MF: F. Aursnes, E. Barrenechea, H. Sudakov, J. Kamiński, Rafa
FW: V. Pavlidis

In goal, A. Trubin is the logical pick from a strong goalkeeping group. The back line is built around the left-footed C. Lenglet and Tomás Araújo, both of whom have already scored in this Europa League campaign, indicating their threat on set plays. A. Bah provides an attacking outlet from full-back and has already recorded an assist, while S. El Karouani adds balance on the opposite flank.

Midfield is where Benfica’s depth really shows. F. Aursnes offers tactical intelligence and work rate, E. Barrenechea brings physical presence and ball-winning, while H. Sudakov and J. Kamiński have each contributed assists from midfield, helping link play and progress the ball between the lines. Rafa, listed as a forward in the stats but also in the midfield group for squad purposes, is a key creative hub with 2 goals and 1 assist in this Europa League season.

Up front, V. Pavlidis is the clear centrepiece. With 5 goals and 1 assist in just 3 Europa League appearances, he is currently one of the standout forwards in the competition. His presence as the spearhead of the starting lineup gives Benfica both penalty-box presence and link-up play. From the bench, options like D. Lukebakio, A. Schjelderup, J. Durán and G. Prestianni provide explosive depth if the coach wants to rotate or change the dynamic in the second half.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With no injuries or suspensions recorded for either side ahead of this fixture, squad availability is not expected to distort the tactical plans significantly. Both coaches can therefore focus on selection based on form, fitness and the specific demands of this Europa League league stage matchup.

NEC Nijmegen Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Benfica Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

On paper, this looks like a classic clash between an underdog aiming for compact organisation and a heavyweight with clear attacking superiority. NEC’s predicted lineup is built around experience and structure. With a back line anchored by B. Nuytinck, P. Sandler and P. Schuurs, they should be capable of defending their box well if they maintain concentration. The midfield quartet of T. Chery, D. Geiger, D. Nejašmić and Jamiro Monteiro is likely to sit relatively deep, forming a tight block to limit the space between the lines where players like Rafa and H. Sudakov thrive.

Benfica, by contrast, are set up to dominate the ball and attack in waves. Their recent Europa League numbers – 19 goals in 6 matches, with scoring spread across forwards and defenders – point to a side comfortable creating chances from open play and set pieces. The predicted presence of A. Bah and S. El Karouani in wide defensive roles gives them natural width, while midfielders like J. Kamiński and H. Sudakov can drift into half-spaces to overload NEC’s full-backs. The key battle will likely be NEC’s central defenders and screening midfielders against the movement of V. Pavlidis and the late arrivals of Rafa. If NEC’s block holds and Tadić and Willumsson can carry the ball out to relieve pressure, the hosts can make this competitive; if Benfica’s press pins them back, the Dutch side may struggle to get out.

Match Prediction and Verdict

The prediction model for this match is notably cautious, giving each of home win, draw and away win an identical 33% rating. That underlines the early-stage uncertainty in the league round, with NEC yet to play a Europa League match this season and Benfica stepping into a new phase of the competition. However, Benfica’s recent form – strong results, high goal output and a deep pool of in-form attackers – suggests they carry the higher ceiling.

NEC’s best route to a result will be to slow the game, deny space to Rafa and V. Pavlidis, and lean on the experience of D. Tadić to create from limited opportunities. Benfica, meanwhile, have the tools to break down a low block through their wide play and the penalty-box instincts of Pavlidis. With no explicit scoreline forecast in the data and no clear favourite indicated by the 33–33–33 split, a conservative expectation is for a tight contest where Benfica’s extra quality just about shows, but the draw remains a live outcome.

Predicted Outcome: NEC Nijmegen 1–2 Benfica

How to Watch NEC Nijmegen vs Benfica Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local sports broadcaster / streaming platform (check regional listings)
• UK: Major sports network or official UEFA Europa League rights holder
• USA / North America: Subscription-based sports streaming service carrying UEFA Europa League
• South America: Regional cable sports channel or official streaming partner
• MENA: Pan-regional sports network with UEFA Europa League rights