Get ready for a thrilling European night at Selhurst Park this Thursday as Crystal Palace take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final. Kick-off is at 20:00, and you can catch all the action live on TNT Sports 2.
Both sides head into this crucial clash with contrasting recent form. Palace are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend. Meanwhile, Shakhtar arrive in London full of confidence after a gritty 2-1 away victory against Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian Premier League.
Let's take a closer look at the likely lineups. For Crystal Palace, manager Oliver Glasner is expected to field a strong side featuring Dean Henderson in goal, with a backline of Jaydee Canvot, Maxence Lacroix, and Chadi Riad. The midfield engine room will likely be powered by Daichi Kamada, Jefferson Lerma, and Justin Devenny, while Brennan Johnson, Strand Larsen, and Yéremy Pino provide the attacking threat.
Shakhtar Donetsk, under the guidance of former Barcelona star Arda Turan, will look to their own formidable lineup. Dmytro Riznyk starts in goal, protected by Alaa Ghram, Mykola Matvienko, Marlon, and Irakli Azarovi. The midfield is anchored by Isaque Silva and Artem Bondarenko, with Egor Nazaryna, Lucas Ferreira, and Newerton supporting striker Lassina Traoré.
This will be a fascinating tactical battle between the two managers. Glasner has faced Turan once before, coming out on top with a win. However, the Austrian has a more mixed record against Shakhtar themselves, with one win and two defeats from three meetings. For Turan, his only previous encounter with Palace ended in defeat.
Looking at the form guide, this tie is anything but straightforward. Shakhtar are in sensational form away from home, boasting an incredible run of just one defeat in their last 23 matches on the road. They've also scored in seven consecutive away games and are unbeaten in their last ten away trips, winning the last two. Overall, the Ukrainian giants have lost only two of their last 24 matches and have scored in 14 straight games across all competitions.
Palace, however, are no pushovers at Selhurst Park. The Eagles have lost just one of their last eight home games and are currently on a seven-match unbeaten run in front of their own fans. That fortress mentality will be crucial as they look to take an advantage to Ukraine for the second leg.
One key area to watch: both teams have been conceding goals recently. Palace have shipped goals in three consecutive matches, while Shakhtar have also conceded in their last three. This could point to an open, attacking encounter with plenty of chances at both ends.
History is on Palace's side in this specific fixture. The two sides have met once before in the Conference League, with the English club claiming a victory. Can they repeat that result when it matters most?
With European glory on the line and a trip to the final at stake, expect a passionate, high-intensity battle under the Selhurst Park lights. It's the kind of night that can define a season—and you won't want to miss a second of it.