Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk | UEFA Europa Conference League Preview

Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park on Thursday evening looking to complete the job against Shakhtar Donetsk in what promises to be a fascinating second leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final. The Eagles hold a commanding 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Krakow, but both sides will know that European football can produce the most unexpected of turnarounds.

Palace's recent form tells a story of inconsistency that has become their trademark this season. Their last five matches show three wins, one draw and one loss, though that solitary defeat came at a crucial moment in the first leg before they fought back brilliantly. Over their 15 Conference League fixtures, they've managed eight wins, four draws and just three defeats, scoring 24 goals while conceding only 11. Those defensive numbers are particularly impressive, with seven clean sheets suggesting Oliver Glasner has found a formula that works in European competition.

The home side has been noticeably stronger at Selhurst Park, winning four of their seven home European matches while losing just once. They average 1.6 goals per game but more importantly, they've been incredibly stingy at the back, conceding less than a goal per game on average. Their penalty record shows perfect conversion, though they've only been awarded one spot kick throughout the campaign.

Shakhtar arrive in London with their backs against the wall but carrying some encouraging form. The Ukrainian side has won seven of their 13 Conference League matches, though their home record has been problematic with just two wins from seven games at their neutral venue. Away from home, however, they've been excellent with five wins from six matches, suggesting the travel to London might not faze them.

The visitors have been more prolific going forward, netting 23 goals across their European campaign with an average of 1.8 per match. Their away form is particularly strong in attack, averaging 2.3 goals per game on the road. However, they've conceded 15 times overall, and their tendency to leak goals could prove costly against a Palace side that has shown clinical finishing in key moments.

The recent head-to-head encounter heavily favors Palace, who dominated the first leg with that impressive 3-1 victory in Krakow. Shakhtar managed just one goal despite playing at their designated home venue, and they'll need to find significantly more attacking threat if they're to overturn this deficit.

Palace have typically lined up in a 3-4-3 formation throughout this European run, using it in 11 of their 15 matches, though they've also deployed a 3-4-2-1 system on four occasions. Shakhtar have been more consistent tactically, using a 4-1-4-1 setup in 12 of their 13 matches, with just one game seeing them switch to a 4-3-3.

The disciplinary records suggest this could be a feisty affair. Palace have accumulated 28 yellow cards and one red, with most of their bookings coming in the final stages of matches. Shakhtar have been slightly more ill-tempered with 29 yellows and one red card, spread more evenly throughout their games.

Given Palace's defensive solidity at home, their comfortable first-leg advantage, and Shakhtar's struggles in designated home games this season, it's difficult to see the Ukrainian side producing the kind of performance needed for such a dramatic comeback. Palace should progress to the final with a professional performance, likely winning 2-0 on the night for a 5-1 aggregate victory.