Crystal Palace predicted XI vs Fiorentina: Eagles ready for historic European night at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace host Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on Thursday night, knowing they are just two games away from a first-ever European semi-final.

Palace head into their maiden continental quarter-final in steady form. After a turbulent mid-season run, the Eagles have rediscovered rhythm at just the right time.

Advertisement

However, Fiorentina are seasoned operators at this stage, with a proven track record in the Europa Conference League.

Match preview

This stage is uncharted territory for Palace.

Manager Oliver Glasner has steadied the ship after a difficult winter spell, and there is a growing sense that his side can rise to the occasion under the lights.

They are unbeaten in six Europa Conference League matches and have shown resilience in knockout football.

They dramatically edged past AEK Larnaca last time out. Momentum is quietly building.

Their form at Selhurst Park remains inconsistent domestically, but European nights bring a different edge. Palace will believe they can harness that energy.

Advertisement

Fiorentina are a different proposition. Despite a disappointing Serie A campaign, they are unbeaten in six matches and have serious knockout pedigree.

They have reached at least the semi-finals in each of their last three Europa Conference League campaigns.

With history on the line for Palace and expectation resting on Fiorentina, this first leg carries significant weight.

Match stats

Palace are unbeaten in their last six Conference League matches (W3, D3). They have also avoided defeat in their last four European home games.

Fiorentina have won 10 of their 11 European quarter-final ties. The Italian side has lost just one of their last five UEFA away games in England.

Advertisement

Palace are the fifth English club to reach this stage of the competition. The previous four all progressed.

Crystal Palace team news

Key players are back for Palace after a three-week break. The ‘fantastic‘ Dean Henderson is expected to start after recovering from illness.

Adam Wharton is fit despite a recent minor injury on international duty. The 22-year-old will be eager to showcase his England credentials.

However, Jorgen Strand Larsen is suspended, meaning Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to lead the line.

Eddie Nketiah is ruled out with a fresh hamstring issue, while Cheick Doucoure remains a doubt.

Advertisement

Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot; Brennan Johnson, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell; Ismaila Sarr, Evan Guessand; Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Click here to read article