Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk – Match preview and team news
Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk – Match preview and team news Crystal Palace host Shakhtar Donetsk at Selhurst Park on Thursday, looking to secure their first-ever major European final berth. The Eagles hold a commanding aggregate lead following a clinical 3–1 victory in the first leg in Poland. Ismaïla Sarr opened the scoring after just 21 seconds, recording the fastest goal in Conference League history.
Oliver Glasner significantly rotated his squad for the weekend loss at Bournemouth to ensure his stars are fresh. Shakhtar arrive in London needing a historic first win on English soil to overturn the two-goal deficit. The Ukrainian champions beat Dynamo Kyiv 2–1 on Sunday to nearly seal their domestic league title.
Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk – Match preview and team news Competition: UEFA Conference League Date: Thursday, 7 May 2026 Kick-off: 20:00 BST Venue: Selhurst Park Referee: Alejandro Hernández VAR: Carlos del Cerro Grande Last Meeting: Shakhtar Donetsk 1–3 Crystal Palace, 30 April 2026, Conference League Team news Crystal Palace Oliver Glasner is hopeful that Borna Sosa and Will Hughes can return to the matchday squad. Sosa missed the weekend trip with a minor knock, while Hughes was sidelined through illness. Evann Guessand could also complete his comeback from a knee problem for this crucial decider.
However, Eddie Nketiah is ruled out for the remainder of the season. Shakhtar Donetsk The Pitmen travel to London with significant defensive shortages to manage. Yukhym Konoplya is out for the rest of the campaign, and Brazilian defender Marlon remains a major doubt.
Arda Turan will rely on Oleh Ocheretko, who scored their solitary goal in the first leg. Form Crystal Palace Crystal Palace have effectively made the Conference League their main focus towards the end of the season. They remain unbeaten in their last seven home fixtures at Selhurst Park across all competitions.