Crystal Palace welcome Shakhtar Donetsk to Selhurst Park on Thursday night with a place in the Conference League final on the line. Holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg, the Eagles are now within touching distance of making history by reaching their first-ever European final.
Oliver Glasner’s side produced an accomplished away performance in the opening leg, showing maturity in possession, intensity in the press and ruthlessness in transition.
The attacking trio constantly stretched Shakhtar’s defensive line, while Palace’s midfield controlled the tempo during key periods of the contest.
Ismaila Sarr was once again influential in the final third, adding to his impressive tally in the competition, while Daichi Kamada’s movement between the lines caused problems throughout the match.
Selhurst Park has become a difficult venue for visiting European sides this season. Palace have built their knockout success on defensive organisation and aggressive pressing at home, keeping clean sheets in several crucial matches.
Glasner’s system relies heavily on quick vertical attacks and overlapping wing-backs, with transitions often catching opponents out before they can reset defensively. However, recent inconsistency in domestic competition means the Eagles cannot afford complacency despite carrying a healthy aggregate lead.
Shakhtar Donetsk still believe the tie is alive, especially given their strong attacking form in recent weeks. Arda Turan’s side remain one of the most technically gifted teams left in the competition, using quick combinations and wide overloads to break through defensive structures. Their victory over Dynamo Kiev at the weekend highlighted their resilience and ability to respond under pressure.
The major concern for the visitors will be their defensive solidity. Conceding three goals at home in the first leg has left them exposed, and chasing the game away from home could open spaces for Palace to exploit on the counterattack.
Shakhtar will likely dominate spells of possession, but they must improve defensively in transition if they are to overturn the deficit.
What time does Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk start?
Kick-off is at 10:00 PM (EAT) on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk team news
Crystal Palace are expected to restore several first-team players after rotating parts of the squad in recent domestic action. Adam Wharton, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Sarr are all likely to return to the starting lineup, while Chris Richards should strengthen the backline.
However, Cheick Doucoure, Eddie Nketiah and Evann Guessand remain unavailable through injury.
For Shakhtar, centre-back Marlon is a major doubt after suffering an injury against Dynamo Kiev. Arda Turan could still maintain faith in much of the side that started the first leg, although attacking options Lucas Ferreira and Lassina Traore are pushing for inclusion following strong performances at the weekend.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace possible starting XI: Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Pino
Shakhtar Donetsk possible starting XI: Riznyk; Tobias, Bondar, Matvienko, Henrique; Ocheretko, Gomes, Pedrinho; Alisson, Elias, Eguinaldo
Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk head to head record previous meeting and current form
Crystal Palace claimed a valuable 3-1 victory in the first leg, placing themselves firmly in control of the tie heading into the second leg at home. The Eagles were clinical in front of goal and looked dangerous every time they broke forward.
Palace’s Conference League form at Selhurst Park has been impressive, particularly defensively, while Shakhtar have remained competitive in most of their recent fixtures despite struggling to keep clean sheets consistently. The Ukrainian side have also found it difficult against English opposition in recent years, with their last victory over a Premier League side dating back several seasons.
Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction
Shakhtar are expected to play on the front foot from the opening whistle, knowing they must score early to put pressure on Palace. That approach could leave gaps in midfield and defence, areas Palace are well-equipped to exploit through quick transitions and direct attacking play.
With the backing of the Selhurst Park crowd and a two-goal cushion already in hand, Palace should have enough composure and attacking quality to manage the tie effectively and finish the job.
