Crystal Palace begin their Europa League campaign against Polish champions Lech Poznań at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening. Palace are clear favourites, but their difficult start to the season and Lech’s impressive European scoring record make this a more interesting match than the odds suggest.

Palace searching for stability

Crystal Palace enter the Europa League after winning the Conference League last season, but their domestic campaign has not started as planned.

The Eagles have collected only three points from their opening four Premier League matches. Their latest appearance ended in a 3–2 home defeat against Ipswich, despite Palace fighting their way back into the contest after being reduced to ten men.

Palace have continued to create chances, but the balance between attack and defence has been a problem. Every home match this season has produced five goals, and they have conceded at least twice in both of their opening Premier League fixtures at Selhurst Park.

Jørgen Strand Larsen gives Palace a physical presence through the middle, while Ismaïla Sarr can cause problems with his speed from wider positions. Daichi Kamada should also play an important role in connecting midfield and attack.

Lech have impressed in Europe

Lech Poznań arrive in London after successfully navigating Europa League qualifying.

After dropping out of Champions League qualification, the Polish champions responded by eliminating KÍ Klaksvík and Thun. Their most impressive performance was a 7–0 home victory against the Swiss champions, followed by a 2–2 draw in the return leg.

Lech have also started their domestic title defence well, winning five of their opening seven league matches. Their most recent game ended in a 2–1 defeat against Górnik Zabrze, although they were leading until the closing stages.

The visitors have scored in 15 consecutive European away matches. They may not control possession at Selhurst Park, but their ability to counter quickly and punish defensive mistakes gives them a realistic chance of scoring.

Team news

Palace are expected to be without Dean Henderson, Chadi Riad and Jean-Philippe Mateta through injury. Eddie Nketiah is also doubtful, potentially leaving Strand Larsen to lead the attack.

The home side may make some changes with another Premier League match approaching, but Pierre Sage should still select a strong team for the club’s Europa League opener.

Lech have already played several European matches this season and should arrive with a more settled lineup. Their experience from qualifying could be useful during the opening stages, particularly if Palace struggle to find an early goal.

What kind of match can we expect?

Palace should see more of the ball and spend long periods in the Lech half. The visitors are likely to defend compactly before trying to attack the spaces left behind when Palace push forward.

The home side’s attacking quality should eventually create chances, but backing Palace at 1.40 offers little value considering their recent form. Their defensive record also makes a comfortable victory difficult to trust.

Over 2.5 goals is available at 1.56, while both teams to score is priced at 1.79. The second option looks more attractive because Lech have consistently found the net away from home in Europe and Palace have yet to look secure defensively.

Verdict

Palace have the stronger squad and should begin their Europa League campaign with a victory, but Lech are capable of making the match competitive.

The Polish champions have already shown their attacking quality during qualifying, while Palace’s home matches have produced chances at both ends. A home victory remains the most likely result, but it may not come with a clean sheet.

Tip

Both teams to score