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Shakhtar Donetsk will put one leg into the final of the UEFA Conference League when they host Crystal Palace in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Municipal Henryk Reyman Stadium in Krakow on Thursday.
This game presents a fascinating clash between an in-form Ukrainian side and an ambitious Premier League team seeking their first major European silverware and a chance to return to the Europa League.
Read on for our Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace predictions and betting tips, and click here to find more betting tips for today.
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Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace key stats
- Shakhtar Donetsk have been prolific in front of goal this season, scoring a remarkable 59 goals in just 25 domestic league matches under the guidance of Arda Turan.
- The Ukrainian giants have remained unbeaten in four of their last five European fixtures, including a vital 3-0 thumping of AZ Alkmaar during the previous round.
- Crystal Palace forward Ismaila Sarr has been the standout performer in European competition this term, netting seven goals in the Conference League so far.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace preview: Final insight in first European clash
| Shakhtar Donetsk | vs | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Position | 13th |
| 60 | Points | 43 |
| 59 | Goals For | 36 |
| 16 | Goals Against | 39 |
| 16 | Clean Sheets | 12 |
| 1st | Home Rank | 15th |
| 3rd | Away Rank | 7th |
Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace meet in a historic UEFA Conference League semi-final, with both clubs featuring at this stage of the competition for the first time.
Shakhtar are aiming to become the first Ukrainian side to win a major European trophy since their own triumph in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup.
Despite the challenges of playing their continental fixtures away from home, they have shown resilience in reaching the semi-final.
Their quarter-final performance against AZ Alkmaar included a convincing 3-0 win in the first leg and a 2-2 draw in the second leg.
However, after their second leg draw against AZ, they have gone on to win three games in a row in the league, with the latest being a 3-1 win against Kudrivka.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have taken well to European competition despite entering the tournament after dropping down from the Europa League due to ownership regulations.
The FA Cup holders are enjoying their first continental campaign since the late 1990s and have looked comfortable in the Conference League.
Under Oliver Glasner, they have already shown they can handle themselves in the competition, having recently eliminated Fiorentina on a 4-2 aggregate.
Their form heading into this tie has not been the best, having failed to win in their last three games across all competitions.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Crystal Palace form guide & betting tips
| Shakhtar Donetsk | vs | Crystal Palace |
|---|---|---|
| D-D-W-W-W | Form | W-W-L-D-L |
| 6 | Goals For | 5 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 3 |
| L-W-D | Europa Conference League | D-W-L |
Whispers predicts: Shakhtar Donetsk 1-1 Crystal Palace
This prediction is based on the cautious nature of first-leg semi-finals and the balanced qualities of both teams.
Shakhtar are technically superior and possess a home advantage in Krakow, but Crystal Palace bring a level of physical intensity and defensive organisation that is common in the English top flight.
The bookmakers have priced the home side as slight underdogs at 4.10, with a draw offered at 3.40 and an away victory for the visitors at 1.95.
The odds for Shakhtar's double chance are given at 1.80, while under 2.5 goals is set at 1.70, indicating that a low-scoring game is highly anticipated.
Both teams to score (yes) is valued at 1.90, which is a reasonable proposition, while the home team's total goals (over 0.5) are at 1.53 odds.
> Home team double chance at 1.80 | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 1.70 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score at 1.90 | Likelihood: Possible
> Home team total goals (over 0.5) at 1.53 | Likelihood: Possible