Crystal Palace Starting XI vs Dynamo Kyiv: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Palace prepare for historic Conference League clash with Kyiv

European debut for Eagles

Crystal Palace step into uncharted territory tonight as they face Dynamo Kyiv in their first-ever major European fixture. The match will take place at the Lublin Arena in Poland, with Kyiv unable to play in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.

Oliver Glasner leads his side into the Conference League opener in a buoyant mood. Palace stretched their unbeaten run to 18 games across all competitions with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend. That result offered further proof that the club are building resilience and momentum under their Austrian coach.

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Injury updates and squad strength

Palace’s summer transfer dealings were modest, yet Glasner has assembled a group that looks increasingly balanced. The return of Ismaila Sarr from a hamstring injury has been crucial, with the winger scoring on his comeback. Yeremy Pino also featured after a brief setback against West Ham, while Adam Wharton has shaken off a groin problem to return to the midfield.

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The injury list is not entirely clear. Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad are sidelined with knee issues, Caleb Kporha is out with a back problem and goalkeeper Walter Benitez remains absent with a dislocated finger. Glasner has been vocal about the challenges of playing twice a week with a relatively thin squad, admitting that recruitment frustrations left them light on depth.

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Kyiv’s strong start

Their opponents bring their own impressive form into the fixture. Dynamo Kyiv remain unbeaten and sit only two points behind Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian league. Their pedigree in European competition adds a layer of complexity to the contest, even with the match shifted to neutral territory in Poland.

Predicted Palace XI

Palace are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 system, with Dean Henderson starting in goal. The back three could consist of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guehi. In midfield, Daniel Munoz and Borna Sosa should operate as wing-backs, with Wharton and Daichi Kamada in central areas. The front three of Sarr, Pino and Jean-Philippe Mateta provide pace, trickery and aerial threat.

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With close to a full-strength squad, Glasner will see this as a chance for Palace to begin their Conference League adventure with conviction.