Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: BetUS
Crystal Palace step into uncharted territory on Thursday evening as they host Fiorentina at Selhurst Park in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter‑final. It marks the Eagles’ first ever appearance at this stage of a major European competition, while Fiorentina arrive with extensive continental experience after navigating past Raków Częstochowa with narrow victories home and away.
Palace reached the last eight by the finest of margins. After a goalless draw at Selhurst Park, Oliver Glasner’s men edged past AEK Larnaca 2–1 after extra time in Greece, displaying resilience and composure under pressure. Fiorentina, by contrast, progressed with greater control, recording identical 2–1 wins in both legs of their round‑of‑16 tie.
Crystal Palace
Following a difficult run between mid‑December and the end of January—when they failed to record a single victory—Crystal Palace have rediscovered form at a crucial point in the campaign. The Eagles enter Thursday’s contest unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions and can draw confidence from a solid European run, having avoided defeat in six consecutive Conference League fixtures.
That improvement has come against a backdrop of frustration across the season as a whole. Palace began the 2025–26 campaign brightly, remaining unbeaten across their opening 10 matches, but the subsequent departure of several key players disrupted momentum and consistency. Home form in the league has been particularly problematic, with just three Premier League victories at Selhurst Park.
Nevertheless, knockout football has often brought out the best in Glasner’s side, and Thursday’s showdown represents a landmark moment. Palace become the fifth English club to reach the Conference League quarter‑finals, following Leicester City, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Chelsea—each of whom went on to win their respective ties. That precedent alone will fuel belief inside the home dressing room.
Team News
The extended break since Palace’s last competitive fixture may prove beneficial. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson missed the second leg against AEK Larnaca through illness but is expected to return between the posts. Adam Wharton, who picked up a minor knock in late March, is also expected to be fit enough to feature.
There are some lingering doubts, though, as both Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucouré remain questionable, with Nketiah more likely to return later in the month.
Fiorentina
Fiorentina are no strangers to this stage of European competition, although this tie marks their first meeting with an English side since the 2023 Conference League final in Prague. While their domestic campaign has been disappointing—sitting 15th in Serie A—the Viola have shown signs of recovery of late and arrive unbeaten in their last six matches.
European pedigree may prove decisive. Fiorentina have reached at least the semi‑finals in each of their previous three Conference League campaigns and possess a formidable record in knockout ties. They have won 10 of their 11 European quarter‑finals, with their only defeat at this stage dating back to the 1969–70 season against Celtic.
In the previous round, they also became the first club to reach 50 matches in Conference League history and have lost just four of their 22 quarter‑final ties across European competitions.
Team News
Injuries reduce Paolo Vanoli’s options somewhat. Rolando Mandragora, Manor Solomon, Niccolò Fortini and Fabiano Parisi are all expected to miss out. However, there is positive news regarding Dodô, who has returned to training after missing the Hellas Verona match and is expected to feature in the travelling squad.
Conclusion
History and experience heavily favour Fiorentina, who have won 15 of their last 16 two‑legged European ties, although they have been less convincing against English opposition, winning six of their last 13 encounters. Crystal Palace’s inconsistency at Selhurst Park is a concern, yet their European performances have shown a different edge.
With nothing to lose and history within reach, the Eagles should rise to the occasion, while Fiorentina’s know‑how should ensure they remain competitive. A finely balanced contest appears likely, and a draw could leave everything to play for in the return leg in Florence.
Verdict: Draw
Best odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: BetUS
