Crystal Palace predicted XI vs Shakhtar Donetsk: Eagles want to finish the job & make history | OneFootball

Crystal Palace welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to Selhurst Park on Thursday night. They are 90 minutes away from their first European final.

The Eagles carry a commanding 3-1 advantage into the second leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final after a clinical display in Krakow last week.

Selhurst Park is expected to be bouncing for what could be another landmark night for Palace under Oliver Glasner.

Match preview

After lifting the FA Cup last year and adding the Community Shield earlier this campaign, the Eagles are now on the verge of another historic achievement.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner has stressed that the tie is far from over, despite his side holding a two-goal cushion. The Austrian knows Shakhtar are dangerous.

The Ukrainian side dominated possession for long spells in the first leg and possesses plenty of pace and flair in attacking areas.

However, Palace have been ruthless in this competition. Ismaila Sarr’s opener in Poland was his eighth Conference League goal of the season.

The Eagles have also been formidable in Europe, particularly in South London.

Palace dismantled Fiorentina 3-0 in the previous round and are unbeaten in their last seven home matches in all competitions.

Shakhtar arrive in London with belief after defeating Dynamo Kyiv 2-1 at the weekend to strengthen their grip on the Ukrainian title race.

But Arda Turan’s side faces an enormous task.

The visitors have never won away against English opposition and must chase the game against one of the competition’s most efficient transition teams.

Match stats

Palace have scored a competition-high 23 goals in this season’s Conference League.

The Eagles have won four of their last five European home games and kept three consecutive knockout-stage clean sheets at Selhurst Park.

Shakhtar are unbeaten in five away matches in this season’s Conference League, scoring at least twice in each.

However, the Ukrainian side has failed to beat English opposition since defeating Manchester City in the Champions League during the 2017/18 season.

Palace have also progressed from each of their last six European knockout ties when winning the first leg away from home.

Crystal Palace team news

Will Hughes is back in contention after recovering from illness and should return to the matchday squad.

However, Evann Guessand, 24, who gives something special, remains unavailable after only partially returning to training, while Borna Sosa is still sidelined.

Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure also remain unavailable for the Eagles.

Glasner is expected to restore several key players after rotating during Sunday’s 3-0 defeat.

Adam Wharton, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Tyrick Mitchell and Chris Richards are all set to return.

Sarr will once again spearhead the attack alongside Mateta after another outstanding European display in the first leg.

Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot; Daniel Munoz, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell; Ismaila Sarr, Yeremy Pino; Jean-Philippe Mateta.