- Crystal Palace face Shakhtar Donetsk
- Oliver Glasner names his starting XI
- Jean-Philippe Mateta gets ‘the nod’
Crystal Palace are 90 minutes away from reaching a first-ever European final and it’s only Shakhtar Donetsk standing in their way. The Eagles are in a strong position to progress to the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig.
That’s because of a 3-1 win over Shakhtar in the first leg in Krakow, Poland, last Thursday. Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Jorgen Strand Larsen were on the scoresheet.
Oliver Glasner has insisted his side must remain focused on the job at hand and not let their dreams of winning the competition cause a distraction. That’s the mentality that saw the South Londoners win the FA Cup last season.
‘Lets Get It – Crystal Palace Fans on XI
Dean Henderson continues in goal, with Daniel Munoz, Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot and Tyrick Mitchell in defence. This has been Glasner’s setup throughout the knockout stages.
Adam Wharton and Kamada were the standout performers in the first leg. They partner in central midfield.
Sarr can claim the Golden Boot with a goal tonight and he continues on the right. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yeremy Pino join him in attack.
Fans are enthused with Glasner’s team selection and have given their thoughts on X. One fan pointed out that Mateta is still the first-choice number despite Strand Larsen’s goal in the first leg:
“As expected. Clear Mateta has the nod from Glasner even after that Strand- Larsen goal in the away leg.”
Another predicted a 3-0 win:
“Kamada tap-in after a scuffle in the box. Canvot screamer after a run-in from half. Sarr on the counter to send us home.
One added:
“Was hoping Guessand was back but we move.”
Another wrote:
“Lineup as expected, let’s get it over the line.”
One responded:
“That team picks itself Clearly Glasner has these guys in mind for the final.”
Palace’s last home game in the Conference League ended 3-0 against Fiorentina. Another special night could be on the cards.
‘Tasted the Honey’ – Glasner’s Hilarious Analogy
Glasner held an interesting pre-match press conference and was on top form with his usual intriguing analogies. The Austrian delved into why winning the Conference League is desired:
“For all the players, they tasted the honey last year with the FA Cup. This year was the Conference League, and they want honey again – they won’t be happy with just avocado!”
Last season’s FA Cup win was a fairytale story which saw Glasner’s men beat Manchester City 1-0 in the final. A repeat of that can only occur if the Eagles fly high tonight and book their ticket to Leipzig.
