Predicted XI: How Crystal Palace could line up vs Strasbourg (3-4-2-1) | OneFootball

Crystal Palace travel to the Stade de la Meinau on Europa Conference League matchday four for a heavyweight clash with Strasbourg.

Palace are one of the early frontrunners for the title, but Strasbourg, armed with exciting talents, will take the fight to the Eagles.

Palace are unbeaten in five games across all competitions, keeping four clean sheets in that dominant stretch, including last weekend’s impressive 2-0 win away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That win took Palace up to 20 points from their first 12 Premier League games, marking their best top-flight start since 1991/92.

That form has injected belief into Oliver Glasner’s squad as they balance Premier League ambitions with a push for continental silverware.

Palace have taken six points from their opening three matches.

After a shock 1-0 defeat to AEK Larnaca on matchday two, they responded with a composed 3-1 win over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park.

They sit ninth in the 36-team league phase standings, just three points off the joint leaders. The Eagles remain firmly in contention for automatic progression.

However, tonight presents their most challenging European assignment so far.

Strasbourg enter the showdown in seventh place, one point above Palace, and unbeaten in the competition with seven points from nine.

South London-born Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior brings the French side back to Europe after two decades.

The Englishman has built a disciplined, aggressive, and tactically clear side.

Strasbourg sit fifth in Ligue 1 with 22 points from 13 games, but a run of three wins, a draw, and three defeats in their last seven has left them six points off the Champions League places.

Their 1-0 defeat away to RC Lens last weekend snapped a remarkable 15-game scoring streak, but it will not dent confidence at home, where they have been outstanding.

Strasbourg will view this match as a statement opportunity as they seek their first victory over English opposition since beating Liverpool 3-0 in the UEFA Cup back in 1997.

Head-to-head & match stats

This will be the first competitive meeting between Crystal Palace and Strasbourg.

Palace have conceded only once in five games. Their defensive organisation under Glasner has been one of their defining strengths and will be key against the French side.

Meanwhile, Strasbourg have turned their home ground into a fortress.

Rosenior’s men have lost just once at Stade de la Meinau across eight competitive matches this season (six wins, one draw).

They have conceded only six goals during that span, making the venue one of the most intimidating in Ligue 1 and the Conference League.

Strasbourg striker Joaquin Panichelli is in outstanding form, with 10 goals this season and five in his last six appearances. Palace will need to be alert to his movement.

Crystal Palace team news

Crystal Palace remain without long-term absentee Cheick Doucoure, while young defender Caleb Kporha is still sidelined with a back injury.

Croatian international (27 caps) Borna Sosa is out with a knock.

Jaydee Canvot is pushing to start. The 19-year-old could feature in the back three.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is still looking for his first Conference League goal of the season but remains central to Palace’s hold-up play and pressing structure.

Strasbourg have a handful of absentees. Abdoul Ouattara (hamstring), Saidou Sow (knee), and Maxi Oyedele (muscle injury) are all out.

Goalkeeper Karl-Johan Johnsson remains sidelined with a fractured wrist, while defender Abakar Sylla also misses out.

Martial Godo pushes for a recall after scoring and assisting against Hacken, while Julio Enciso and the in-form Joaquin Panichelli are expected to start.