Oliver Glasner would want his Crystal Palace side to fight for a top-eight finish when they take on Finnish side Kups at Selhurst Park on Thursday.
Compared to the Champions League and Europa League, the Conference League is slightly different in the group phase format. Unlike their big brothers, the third-tier continental competition only has six gameweeks in the group phase, but beyond that, the next rounds are all identical, while also maintaining the top-eight system, with those teams finishing there automatically qualifying for the next round.
In Crystal Palace’s case, they are in must-win territory not only to stand a chance of finishing in the top eight, but also to ensure there’s no danger in at least securing a playoff spot. The gap between them in ninth spot and Lincoln Red Imps in 24th spot is merely two points, meaning the Eagles must win to secure either a top-eight finish or a playoff spot.
Oliver Glasner’s men have displayed plenty of inconsistencies with their form, both on the European and domestic fronts. In the Conference League, they have three wins and two losses, meaning they will have to win and hope one of those in the top eight do not, especially those with 10 or 11 points. The Eagles come into this clash on the back of a loss to Manchester City at home, as they now host Finnish outfit Kups there.
Unlike Crystal Palace, who have to juggle between domestic and European games in quick succession, Jarrko Wiss’s men are solely focused on the Conference League. Kups won their league title back in November, and have only the European competition to focus on, although their form desires too much in the current moment to give them a good chance to advance.
Kupos sit in 25th spot, which is a single place and point outside of the playoff spot, as they must rectify their form in front of the goal. The Finnish champions may have lost just once in their five games in the Conference League group phase, but they have accumulated just a single win and have failed to score in their last two games.
While the table resembles a big chance for the Finnish side to qualify for the playoffs, they most certainly will need a win at Selhurst Park to get that place. If not, this could be their final European game of the season, as Wiss will want to make the best out of this opportunity.
Team News & Tactics
Crystal Palace
Glasner does have a fresh injury and a major one to key midfielder Daichi Kamada, who suffered a hamstring problem in the loss to Manchester City. Will Hughes could be the natural replacement, while Jefferson Lerma could also get a shout-out if the Palace boss thought about keeping Hughes fresh for the weekend.
Daniel Munoz remains out of the equation after a knee procedure, meaning Nathaniel Clyne is likely to keep his place on the right wing. There’s a chance Glasner rests one of his three centre-backs, as Jaydee Convot could come in place of Marc Guehi, although there’s a huge chance Glasner maintains all of his three main centre-backs.
Chadi Riad, Cheick Doucoure, Dio Cardines and Caleb Kporha all remain out of contention, which does make things complicated for Galsner with regards to rotation. Ismaila Sarr has left for the AFCON duty with Senegal, meaning there will be an enforced change in the attacking setup. However, there’s a possibility that Sarr might still be available, but Glasner might not risk him just after he returned from a hamstring problem.
Hence, Eddie Nketiah might get a start in Sarr’s place, while Yeremy Pino, Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta might get starts. Christantus Uche might be an option in place of the Frenchman, as well, if Glasner decides to rest his main striker for the weekend.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1) – Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Convot; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Sosa; Uche, Pino; Nketiah
Kups
Wiss does have the capacity to name his strongest lineup for this clash, with most of his regulars available for selection, as well as intense competition for places. For instance, right back Taneli Hamalainen is vying for a spot in the lineup at the expense of Bob Nii Armah.
It remains to be seen whether Wiss prefers the former or the latter, as it could be Hamalainen who might get the nod. Goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl will start with protection from his regular centre-back pairing of Ibrahim Cisse and Samuli Miettinen
Goalscoring midfielder Jaakko Oksanen, with three goals already to his name in the Conference League this season, will continue to keep his place on the left side of the midfield three, with Voutilainen and Arifi also likely to start.
Mohamed Toure will keep his place in the front three, with skipper Petteri Pennanen to start on the left wing. Wiss will likely select Piotr Parazyszek ahead of Agon Sadiku to lead the line for Kups.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3) – Kreidl; Hamalainen, Cisse, Hamalainen, Antwi; Voutilainen, Arifi, Oksanen; Toure, Parzyszek, Pennanen
Key Stats
- Crystal Palace must win their last group phase game to stand a chance of finishing in the top eight.
- Crystal Palace have failed to win their last 3 games at Selhurst Park across all competitions.
- Kups have failed to score in their last 2 Conference League games.
- Kups have lost just one game in their 5 group phase clashes in the Conference League this season.
Player to Watch
Eddie Nketiah
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Nketiah has never truly burst onto the scene at Palace since his big move from Arsenal in the summer of 2024. The former Gunners star has performed in flashes, and with Sarr set to miss a big period owing to his international duties with Senegal, it might be a great opportunity for Nketiah to stake a claim at a starting berth.
The issue with Nketiah is consistency, although he has had some important contributions this season. It might be a case of getting a concerted period in the team as a starter, and this might be his time to shine, starting with the home clash against Kups, as he could potentially fire Palace into the top eight with a stellar performance.
Prediction
Crystal Palace 2-0 Kups
Kups might not have too much to focus on other than the Conference League, which might enable them to name a strong lineup, but one that may lack match sharpness. They have already begun showing some issues in their last two games in the competition, as this upcoming one at Selhurst Park might be the most difficult yet.
Palace will be desperate to go into the final group phase game with the intention of winning and giving themselves every chance to finish in the top eight. Things might not be in their hands, but winning the upcoming game certainly is, as Palace are expected to collect the points in this clash on Thursday.