Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk Prediction May 7 2026 — UEFA Europa Conference League

While the bookmakers favor Palace given the first-leg result, Shakhtar are a dangerous attacking side that must take risks. Expect a game where both teams find the net as the visitors push for an unlikely comeback, but Palace's quality at home should see them comfortably through to the final.

Match Preview & Form Guide

Crystal Palace head into this UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg at Selhurst Park in a commanding position, holding a 3-1 aggregate lead after a dominant first-leg performance in Krakow. Manager Oliver Glasner, who will depart the club at the conclusion of this season, has made it his primary objective to secure a European trophy as a parting gift to the fans. Despite a lackluster 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth last weekend—where Glasner rotated his squad significantly—Palace remain unbeaten in their last seven home matches across all competitions. Key performers include Ismaila Sarr, whose 21-second opener in the first leg was the fastest in competition history, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who continues to be a focal point of their attack.

Shakhtar Donetsk, managed by Arda Turan, arrive in London with a mountain to climb. While their domestic form is stellar—they currently sit 1st in the Ukrainian Premier League and recently bolstered their confidence with a win over rivals Dynamo Kyiv—their European away form has been inconsistent. Shakhtar must push for an early goal to unsettle the hosts, but their defensive record away from home in Europe has been vulnerable against high-intensity, counter-attacking teams. With no major new injury concerns, Turan is expected to field a full-strength side to chase the tie.

Tactical Analysis & Key Battles

Crystal Palace will likely look to maintain their structural discipline, content to absorb Shakhtar’s possession and exploit the space left behind by the visitors’ inevitable high defensive line. Oliver Glasner's tactical setup relies heavily on rapid transitions, with Sarr and Brennan Johnson providing width to stretch the Shakhtar defense. Shakhtar, conversely, will seek to control the tempo through their technical midfield. The key battle will be in the middle of the park, where Adam Wharton’s ability to break up play and launch quick attacks will be pitted against Shakhtar's creative engine. If Palace can survive the first 20 minutes without conceding, the pressure will shift entirely onto the visitors, likely forcing them into errors that Palace are experts at capitalizing on.