Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, April 30, 2026
Europa Conference League
In the Conference League semifinal on April 30, 2026, the first match between Shakhtar and Crystal Palace will take place. Both sides believe in their chances for success here.
Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Donetsk had a disappointing last season, for the first time in decades not even finishing as runners-up. Even now, under Arda Turan, they are struggling to pull away from LNZ in the race for the Premier League lead. The visitors from London claimed their first trophies in 2025, first winning the cup and then the Super Cup. However, in the Premier League, they remain a mid-table side, and after a strong start this season, they noticeably declined by winter.
The Ukrainians started in the Europa League but were eliminated in the qualifiers by their third opponent, Panathinaikos – on penalties after a pair of goalless draws. Against Servette in the Conference League, it was also tense, but in the end, they knocked them out and collected thirteen points in the main round. In the playoffs, everything was decided by a confident win in the first leg – after that, they lost to Lech and snatched a draw with AZ in the return matches.
The English, debuting in the tournament, got through Fredrikstad in the summer qualifiers and collected only ten points in the main round. So for them, the playoffs started as early as February, with a win over Zrinjski. They then knocked out AEK Larnaca, winning in Cyprus after a goalless draw at home. Against Fiorentina, however, after a rout in London, they even allowed themselves a narrow away defeat.
Previous Meetings: Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace
The clubs will meet for the first time, but in the autumn, Glasner's team defeated another Ukrainian giant – Dynamo Kyiv.
This time, the nominal visitors are also favored. But for now, we opt for the neutral option of "over 2.5 goals" (odds – 1.98).
Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace: Key Stats and Trends
- Shakhtar have won two of their last five league matches
- The team scores an average of 1.83 goals, conceding one in return
- Crystal Palace have won three of their last five tournament matches
- The club scores an average of 1.5 goals, conceding 0.73 on average
Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace: Probable Starting Lineups
Shakhtar play with a 1-4-1-4-1 system (probable lineup): Riznyk – Pedro Henrique, Matviyenko, Bondar, Vinicius Tobias – Nazarina – Neverton, Isaque Severino, Ocheretko, Alisson Santana – Kauan Elias. Kornienko and Petriak are injured.
Crystal Palace play with a 1-3-4-3 system (probable lineup): Henderson – Kanwo, Lacroix, Richards, Mitchell – Daichi Kamada, Wharton, Munoz – Gassama, Mateta, Sarr. Nketiah and Doucouré will not travel, while Gassama is doubtful.
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Conference League standings.
