
Crystal Palace prepare for the biggest match of their season to date as they make the final tweaks to their side for the clash with Shakhtar Donetsk in Krakow.
Here we go then.
Crystal Palace are in a European semi-final.
The Eagles are in Krakow ready for the challenge of Ukrainian Premier League leaders Shakhtar Donetsk.
Now just three matches away from a third trophy under Oliver Glasner in two seasons, it is all to play for.
But, what form are the two teams in and what team do we expect Oliver Glasner to pick?
Form Guide
Palace have largely enjoyed the return from the international break, with big wins over Fiorentina and Newcastle in the first two games back.
There was a 2-1 defeat in Florence but that was enough to see Palace into the last four, whle a 0-0 draw with West Ham was seen as a decent result.
The performance against Liverpool in a 3-1 defeat was one that on another day comes away with a different result.
Shakhtar are top of the Ukrainian Premier League and have won their last three matches.
They beat AZ Alkmaar 3-0 on home soil in the first leg of the quarter-final, before drawing 2-2 in the Netherlands.
You may recognise their manager Arda Turan, the former Turkish star, who made 100 caps for his country and played for the likes of Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Previous Meetings
Unsurprisingly, this will be the first time the two sides ever meet, with Palace never being in European competition before.
The Eagles have previously faced Ukrainian competition though, defeating Dyamo Kyiv 2-0 in Lublin.
Team News
There was some good news surrounding Evann Guessand, whose knee may allow him to play in the second leg of the semi-final if he is required.
Barring that, it is the usual duo of Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure, who have been long-term absentees and will once again miss this clash.
Tyrick Mitchell may need to pass a late fitness test after an Achilles injury caused him to come off at half-time of the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool.
Predicted XI
Crystal Palace: (3-4-2-1): Henderson (c); Canvot, Lacroix, Richards; Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Munoz; Pino, Sarr; Mateta
Odds
Bet365 have placed Palace as favourites, putting them at evens to win the match.
Shakhtar Donetsk are 29/10 to win, while a draw is 23/10.
What did Oliver Glasner say about Shakhtar?
“To be honest, they have many threats. The striker, Elias or Traore.
“Their wingers, they always play with inverted wingers: Alisson, left foot, of course, then Meirelles - we don't know exactly because they're always rotating, but usually Meirelles.
“Then they have good midfielders, always attacking the box, with Isaque.
“Pedrinho didn't play, he wasn't involved in the last game, so I don't know if he's available tomorrow, then they have very attacking full-backs with Pedro Henrique on the left.
“They have a lot of quality. They are the team with the most dribbles won in the Conference League.
“It's the team with the highest possession in the Conference League. It's a team in the top three with the highest intensity in the Conference League.
“So that means they are top in many very important parts, and that's why we have huge respect.
“For me, the style is very important. They play with wide wingers but also have good rotations, always making runs in behind, then having the centre-backs always driving the ball into midfield.
“And then not just passing wide, always playing, trying to find the players in the pocket with quick combinations, one-two touches.
“They’re always trying to find the opposite side with their No. 8 or the far winger.
“They get into the box. They are used to playing in the middle of the pitch.
“They don't like to cross. Their way is either dribbling or small combinations with one-two touches. This is what we have to control. This is what we showed the players.
“This is the style. I expect they don't change their style. I think they can't change the style because they don't have a two-metre-tall No. 9 in the middle, so they won't start crossing tomorrow.
“They want to play on the grass with quick combinations or dribbling. This is what we have to control.
“On the other side, we think we found a few topics where we can create our chances. Then it's up to us to take advantage of this.”


