Crystal Palace host Shakhtar Donetsk in a Conference League clash that pits the Premier League side’s attacking intent against the Ukrainian champions’ technical efficiency.
The sides meet at Selhurst Park, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 on Thursday, 7 May. After Palace’s 3-1 victory in the reverse fixture just days ago, all eyes are on whether Shakhtar can turn the tables or if the Eagles will assert their dominance once more.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on recent statistics and head-to-head trends, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in Crystal Palace to win again, given their dominance in chance creation and their strong performance in the previous meeting.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace to Win | 4/7 @ Betfred (63.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | We are backing Palace to win because they created over double the big chances of Shakhtar this season (53 vs 23) and won 3-1 away in the last meeting. Their attacking output and home advantage give them a clear edge. |
| Both Teams to Score: Yes | 10/11 @ Betfred (52.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | There could be value here as Palace have underperformed their defensive xG and Shakhtar have scored in every group match so far. Both teams found the net in their previous clash, and both carry a clinical attacking threat. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk match odd
How both teams head into Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Crystal Palace’s maiden European voyage in the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League has been nothing short of historic. Over 13 matches, the Eagles have registered seven wins and three draws, with three defeats. Their attacking verve has produced 23 goals (1.77 per match), while a disciplined defence has conceded 11 (0.85 per match) and secured five clean sheets.
Oliver Glasner’s side has shown immense resilience in the knockout stages, notably dispatching Fiorentina 4-2 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, including a dominant 3-0 home victory at Selhurst Park. The semi-final first leg saw Palace secure a commanding 3-1 lead against Shakhtar Donetsk, positioning them on the brink of a historic final. With an average possession of 53.31% and a passing accuracy of 83.31%, Palace have balanced technical control with clinical finishing. Jean-Philippe Mateta has been the talisman, netting vital goals throughout the campaign. As they prepare for the return leg on 7 May, the South London club stands on the cusp of continental glory.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s 2025/26 UEFA Conference League campaign has been defined by technical dominance and attacking flair. Across 13 matches, the Ukrainian giants have recorded seven victories and three draws, suffering three defeats. Their offensive output has been impressive, netting 20 goals (1.82 per match), with young striker Kauã Elias leading the scoring with eight strikes.
Marino Pušić’s side has dominated proceedings with a tournament-high 62% average possession and a remarkable 88.46% passing accuracy. Their path to the semi-finals included a convincing 5-2 aggregate victory over AZ Alkmaar in the quarter-finals. However, a 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the semi-final first leg has left their final ambitions hanging by a thread. Defensively, they have conceded 13 goals (1.19 per match) while recovering 377 balls. Despite the recent setback, Shakhtar’s commitment to expansive, possession-based football has remained their hallmark throughout this European venture.
Potential Match-Winners
- Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace): 8 goals from 32% shot accuracy and xG of 5.64 shows he is in red-hot form, overperforming his expected goals and leading Palace’s attack.
- Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace): Regular starter with pace to stretch Shakhtar’s defence and create chances.
- Kauã Elias (Shakhtar Donetsk): 3 goals, 63.6% shot accuracy – the clinical edge for Shakhtar in front of goal.
- Alisson Santana (Shakhtar Donetsk): Also on 3 goals, finishing half his shots and outperforming xG – a constant threat when he gets sight of goal.
Head-to-Head: Last Meeting
These sides have met just once before, with Crystal Palace running out convincing winners last week in Donetsk.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 30/04/26 | Shakhtar Donetsk 1-3 Crystal Palace | European Competition |
Conclusion: Will Palace’s Attack Shine Again?
Crystal Palace arrive with clear momentum after an impressive away win, and their underlying stats back up their attacking credentials. Shakhtar, however, remain a technically sound side with high possession and pass accuracy, so expect them to pose a threat. For those seeking a confident bet, backing Palace to win at 4/7 with Betfred (63.6%) stands out, given their firepower and recent head-to-head success.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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