Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace will be making their first ever appearance in a European quarter-final when they face AC Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on Thursday, while the Italian side are contesting their fourth consecutive Conference League quarter-final.
- The Eagles are a well balanced Premier League team that sit mid-table after collecting 39 points from 30 games so far.
- Oliver Glasner’s structured 3-4-2-1 system, complete with pressing strategies and quick transitions has given Palace some consistency in a season that has seen no great highs or lows domestically.
- Palace have been more convincing in Europe than in England with their win against AEK Larnaca in the previous round having come in extra time.
- Ismaïla Sarr scored twice in the tie and, on his day, the Senegal international is Palace’s best player and a constant threat.
Fiorentina
- Fiorentina are having a frustrating season, too, sitting 16th in Serie A with 28 points from 29 matches, but European progress is still on the table for Paolo Vanoli’s men.
- Fiorentina’s build-up play is patient, but they press high and have the wide attacking threat of Robin Gosens and their other wing-backs to complement the aerial power of Moise Kean.
- Nicolò Fagioli and Cher Ndour have been two of their most creative midfield players this season, chipping in with goals in league and cup action.
- The Selhurst Park conditions are mild and damp and could suit Palace’s physical, transition play better than the more expansive, passing style of Fiorentina.
Key Players
- Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace)
- Scored twice in the tie and, on his day, the Senegal international is Palace’s best player and a constant threat.
- Robin Gosens (Fiorentina)
- Provides a wide attacking threat from wing-back positions.
- Moise Kean (Fiorentina)
- Brings aerial power to Fiorentina’s attack.
- Nicolò Fagioli (Fiorentina)
- One of Fiorentina’s creative midfielders who has contributed goals.
- Cher Ndour (Fiorentina)
- Another creative midfield presence chipping in with goals in league and cup action.
Betting Insights
- But we expect the first leg to be cagey and so are recommending under 2.5 goals at 1.85 and both teams to score - No at 1.85 for our main selection.
- Selhurst Park is expected to be mild and damp, which could favour Palace’s physical, transition play.
Prediction
Palace’s home-field advantage, recent European form and the motivation for the hosts to build on that should see them to an advantage in this first leg, but Fiorentina’s proven experience in knock-out rounds should keep the tie close.
