Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Holding a 3–1 advantage from last week’s first leg, the Eagles are aiming to reach a European final for the first time in the club’s history.

Crystal Palace

While Palace still have a theoretical route into Europe via their Premier League position, Oliver Glasner’s recent selections suggest that continental success has become the club’s primary focus. The Austrian named a strong starting XI for the first leg in Poland, and that decision was rewarded with an impressive victory.

Ismaïla Sarr set the tone early on and went on to record his eighth goal of the Conference League campaign, making him joint‑top scorer in the competition. Daichi Kamada and Jørgen Strand Larsen also found the net, handing Palace a commanding two‑goal cushion heading into the return fixture.

At Selhurst Park, Palace will look to extend their defensive dominance in Europe’s knockout rounds. The Eagles are chasing a fourth consecutive home clean sheet in the Conference League, having most recently swept Fiorentina aside 3–0 in the quarter‑finals.

Domestic form, however, has been less convincing. Palace have lost three of their last five matches in all competitions, including Sunday’s heavy 3–0 defeat at Bournemouth. That result may encourage Glasner to revert to the side that impressed in the first leg, particularly with the stakes so high.

Adam Wharton, Sarr and Jean‑Philippe Mateta are all expected to return to the starting lineup, while Chris Richards and Tyrick Mitchell should also come back into the defence. Chadi Riad, Jefferson Lerma, Justin Devenny, Brennan Johnson and Strand Larsen are the most likely players to drop out as Glasner reshuffles.

Injuries remain unchanged, with Cheick Doucouré, Evann Guessand and Eddie Nketiah all unavailable once again.

Shakhtar Donetsk

Shakhtar arrive in South London knowing they must take risks to keep their European dream alive. Despite the setback in the first leg, Arda Turan’s side have enjoyed a strong run of form overall, winning six and drawing two of their last nine matches in all competitions.

That momentum continued on Sunday with a 2–1 victory over Dynamo Kiev, a result that moved Shakhtar 10 points clear at the top of the Ukrainian Premier League. After finishing third last season, their domestic campaign has been highly successful, but frustration remains over conceding control of this semi‑final tie.

Shakhtar are still chasing their first European trophy since lifting the UEFA Cup in 2008–09, though defensive concerns linger. When trailing by two goals, Turan will be wary that his side have managed just one clean sheet in their last seven matches.

Their record against English opposition also offers little encouragement. Shakhtar have not beaten a Premier League side since their 2–1 Champions League victory over Manchester City in the 2017–18 season.

Team News

Lucas Ferreira and Lassina Traoré both made decisive contributions in the win over Dynamo Kiev and are pushing for greater involvement in the final third. However, with Turan having rotated his squad at the weekend, there remains a strong possibility that he sticks with the same XI that started the first leg.

There is concern at the back, though, as centre‑back Marlon picked up an injury against Dynamo Kiev and is a major doubt for Thursday’s clash.

Conclusion

Shakhtar are in a position where caution must be thrown aside, but overturning a two‑goal deficit at Selhurst Park is a formidable task. Palace have made their home ground a hostile environment for visiting European sides, and while nervous moments are inevitable, the Eagles possess the structure, confidence and attacking threat to see the job through.

Backed by a raucous home crowd, Crystal Palace are expected to rise to the occasion and book their place in one of the most significant matches in the club’s history—a European final within touching distance.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet