- Mateta speaks on support
- Pride in reaching semi-final
- Who starts up top?
Selhurst Park has always been known for its atmosphere, Palace fans standing out amongst the general dullness of English support. With a historic night ahead, Palace striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta has spoken with the club’s website about just how incredible the fans are.
Last time out in Europe at Selhurst, the atmosphere was incredible. A bouncing, ninety minute display of support aided the team to a 3-0 win against Fiorentina. Coming into tonight’s game with a 3-1 lead on aggregate, there is even more reason to be buoyed ahead of what promises to be another historic night in SE25.
Mateta on Selhurst support
“When I came back we played Fiorentina, and the atmosphere was really incredible,” Mateta said. “I hope the fans keep going.”
In that game, Palace eased past what was posed to be a difficult fixture, winning 3-0 before travelling to Florence to see the job out and reach the semi-final.
“We’re already very happy to have made it through to the semi-final, it’s an important step. We’re taking this very seriously – and we will fight for the trophy.”
Palace have all the chance to reach a first European final in the club’s history, a bout with either Rayo Vallecano or Strasbourg awaiting should Glasner steer his side through to the final.
Mateta or Strand Larsen
One of the conundrums facing Oliver Glasner ahead of tonight’s game is the team selection, and more specifically, the striker selection.
Jorgen Strand Larsen came off the bench in Krakow and scored the third goal, which he took in excellent style, but it was Mateta who started the game and wore down the Shakhtar defence.
Larsen started in Palace’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, but was replaced by Mateta after a 65 minute display which saw him offered very few chances.
Both players have proven at times that they can offer the clinical touch, and whilst Strand Larsen found the net in the first-leg, Mateta held the ball up expertly at times, and provided a crucial outball to relieve pressure as Shakhtar pressed intently.
That same approach will be seen from Arda Turan’s side at Selhurst Park, as the Turk looks to lead his team to a dramatic comeback. This may mean that Mateta is better suited to start the game, with the option of Strand Larsen’s pace on the bench to use against tired legs later in the game.
