Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Getting their famous Europa Conference League semi-final adventure underway on Thursday night, Crystal Palace will travel to Poland when they meet Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Starting with Shakhtar, storming their way to the top of the Premier League standings and set to get their hands on a first domestic crown since 2021 over the coming weeks, the Ukrainian giants are enjoying what has been quite the purple patch. Punching their Europa Conference League semi-final ticket earlier in the month as they came past Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar thanks to a 5-3 aggregate win, Arda Turan’s men certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-ho high. Looking to claim what could be a crucial first-leg advantage on Thursday night, the Miners have also impressed with their free-scoring performances in the final third. Last seen over the weekend securing a thumping 3-1 victory against Kudrivka, Shakhtar have notched at least a pair of goals in six of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News
Returning from a recent muscle injury against Kudrivka last weekend and making a first domestic appearance since March 12th, Ukrainian international Dmytro Kryskiv should get some more minutes under his belt. Ahead of Thursday’s first-leg battle, Turan’s men don’t have any fresh injury concerns.
While 20-year-old Kaua Elias might have failed to find the net since the start of February, the former Fluminense youngster should be handed a full recall and a chance to lead the line. Bagging three goals in his two quarter-final showdowns against AZ Alkmaar this month, Brazilian starlet Alisson should play a leading role in attack.
Crystal Palace
As for Crystal Palace, with Oliver Glasner already announcing that he will be leaving Selhurst Park next month, it is no secret that he Austrian tactician is desperate to hand the Eagles an iconic piece of European silverware. Coming past Italian outfit Fiorentina this month as they secured a 4-2 aggregate victory, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss finds his squad installed as the standout title contender. However, failing to pick up any kind of momentum over the weekend as they slumped to a 3-1 loss away at Liverpool, Palace have struggled to find any real stability. In fact, Glasner’s men have registered just a pair of wins from any of their last eight appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes and they should be braced for a tricky test when they travel to Poland.
Crystal Palace Team News
Yet to make a single appearance so far this calendar year, Crystal Palace have confirmed that ex-Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah will miss the remainder of the season with a thigh issue. However, making an immediate return at Anfield, England international Adam Wharton will start in the middle of the park.
Eventually forced to stay put at Selhurst Park back in January following an attempted messy divorce, French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the line in Poland. Enjoying what has become a breakout campaign, 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot will start at the heart of Glasner’s defence.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s first-leg showdown in Poland will be the first competitive meeting between Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace.
- The Eagles have won just a pair of their previous eight appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.
- Shakhtar have registered at least a pair of goals in six of their previous seven matchups across all fronts.
- Each of Palace’s last six consecutive matchups away from Selhurst Park have finished with both teams finding the net.
- Glasner’s side have recorded just a single clean sheet outside of south London so far this calendar year.
Conclusion
While Crystal Palace might travel to Poland on Thursday night pencilled in as a standout contender, the Eagles should be bracing themselves for a tricky test on foreign soil. With Shakhtar enjoying what has become quite the purple patch, Turan’s high-flying squad will know the importance of claiming a first-leg advantage here. With Palace mustering just a sole clean sheet on their travels so far this calendar year, Shakhtar will be confident of asking some real questions.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster