Crystal Palace aim for a last 16 place as KuPS fight to keep their European dream alive in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League match at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park on Thursday with their European campaign still very much in their own hands. A win would push them straight into the last 16 of the Conference League, while even a draw keeps them alive for the knockout playoff round. KuPS arrive knowing their margin for error is tiny. One slip could send them out of the competition, yet they have shown enough organisation and spirit to make this more than a formality. The stage is set for a tense finish to the League Phase.
Crystal Palace vs KuPS kicks off at 20:00 on Thursday at Selhurst Park. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
Crystal Palace Team News
Daichi Kamada will miss out after picking up a hamstring injury against Manchester City. Oliver Glasner admitted the midfielder faces a spell on the sidelines. Daniel Munoz is also unavailable after a minor knee procedure.
Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Rio Cardines and Caleb Kporha remain absent. Glasner is expected to rotate slightly with a busy schedule ahead, though key figures such as Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Adam Wharton and Yeremy Pino should all start.
The main decision comes up front. Jean Philippe Mateta has struggled for form and Eddie Nketiah is pushing hard after scoring in his last two starts.
KuPS will field their strongest available side as they push for a playoff spot. Jarkko Wiss should again start Ibrahim Cisse and Samuli Miettinen at centre back, with Johannes Kreidl behind them in goal.
Taneli Hamalainen is hoping to reclaim his role at right back. Jaakko Oksanen, who leads their European scoring chart with three goals, is set to play in midfield.
Piotr Parzyszek is expected to lead the line, supported by Mohamed Toure and either Otto Ruoppi or captain Petteri Pennanen out wide.
– Palace sit ninth in the Conference League table with nine points – KuPS are 25th with six points – Palace have won three of their five League Phase matches – Palace are winless in their last three at home in all competitions – KuPS have failed to score in their last two European games – KuPS have scored in only one of their last eight European away fixtures – Palace have scored three times in two of their European wins this season – This is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs
Crystal Palace vs KuPS Predictions
Palace have been inconsistent at Selhurst Park lately, but their European performances have generally been sharp. Glasner’s team move the ball with purpose in these games and their attack looks far more fluid when given space. KuPS defend with discipline and will try to frustrate Palace, though their lack of goals away from home is a real concern.
The Finnish champions will sit deep, stay compact and hope to counter. The problem is that they have struggled to threaten in Europe when playing that way, and Palace carry far more quality across the pitch. With a place in the last 16 on the line, a convincing home performance feels the most likely outcome.
Palace have kept clean sheets in two of their three European wins and face a KuPS side who have found the net only once in their last eight European away games. Given how much of the ball Palace should have and the pressure KuPS often absorb, the defensive angle feels strong here.
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