Liam Duckstein
Selhurst Park in London hosts the decisive second leg of the UEFA Conference League semifinals between Crystal Palace and Shakhtar Donetsk on May 7, 2026. Crystal Palace holds the edge after a 3-1 win in the first encounter, but Shakhtar’s away record and recent form suggest a highly tactical and potentially open match. One intriguing aspect is the clash of coaching philosophies—Oliver Glasner’s structured Palace versus Arda Turan’s dynamic Shakhtar, both with clear strengths and vulnerabilities. Daichi Kamada for Palace and Artem Bondarenko for Shakhtar stand out as key midfielders who have contributed crucial goals and assists in recent matches and will likely dictate the rhythm. Notably, both teams have displayed streaky forms, with Shakhtar unbeaten in their last nine and Palace struggling for consistent results.
Hot stat: Shakhtar Donetsk has not lost in their last nine matches across all competitions, collecting six wins and three draws, highlighting a resilience that could unsettle Palace despite the first-leg deficit.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Conference League 2025/26 Semifinals |
| 🏟 Venue: | Selhurst Park, London |
| 🗓️ Date: | 07.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:00 CEST |
Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk prediction
We predict Crystal Palace to progress, but Shakhtar Donetsk will not make it easy. Palace’s home advantage is significant, and the bookmakers strongly back them (average win probability 61%). Palace’s structured 4-2-3-1 setup gives them shape and control, and their 8 goals from the last 5 matches underline their attacking intent. Kamada’s creativity and Sarr’s pace will target any gaps in Shakhtar’s back three. Shakhtar, operating a 3-4-3, bring greater width and have scored 10 times in their last 5, but their high pressing leaves space behind.
Palace’s matches tend toward physicality (14 yellows in last 5 games), while Shakhtar’s lower foul and card count (9 yellows, 14 fouls) hints at a more possession-oriented approach. The midfield battle and the ability to capitalize on set pieces (Palace’s 16 corners vs Shakhtar’s 44 in the last five) may tip the balance in a match that could see both teams on the scoresheet. To be honest, the home side should make use of their defensive discipline and clinical moments, but Shakhtar’s tenacity means a narrow margin is likely.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Over 9.5 Corners |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 10 |
Team Analysis
Crystal Palace’s last five games have seen mixed results: a heavy 0-3 defeat to Bournemouth, a gritty 0-0 away at Shakhtar, a 1-3 loss to Liverpool, a 0-0 draw with West Ham, and a 1-2 setback against Fiorentina. The Bournemouth result revealed some defensive frailties, while the 0-0 away at Shakhtar showcased Palace’s capacity to hold out under pressure. Their goal production has been inconsistent, and while Sarr has found the net three times in the last six games, others like Mateta and Johnson have struggled for output. Palace’s passing accuracy sits around 74%, not spectacular, but enough to sustain attacks when paired with high pressing and ball-winning from Lerma and Wharton.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s recent run has been much stronger: a 2-1 victory over Dynamo Kyiv, 0-0 against Palace in the first leg, 3-1 over Kudrivka, 2-1 over Zorya, and a 1-0 win versus Polissya. Their unbeaten run is built on solid defensive organization and a sharp transition, with Bondarenko, Ocheretko, and Lucas Ferreira contributing on the scoresheet. Their pass accuracy (91%) and relatively low foul count point to a technical, ball-retentive approach. The 44 corners in their last five games reveal an emphasis on wide play and pressing for set-piece chances.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Crystal Palace | Shakhtar Donetsk |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 1 |
| Total shots | 59 | 71 |
| Free kicks | 0 | 0 |
| Corner kicks | 16 | 44 |
| Total fouls | 74 | 14 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 74 | 91 |
| Interceptions | 35 | 8 |
| Offsides | 6 | 2 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar Donetsk stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Crystal Palace the favourite
- Moneyline Crystal Palace 1.53-1.57 | Shakhtar Donetsk 5.25-6.09
- Draw 4.10-4.33
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.90 | Under 2.5 1.80
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.82 | No 1.94
Bookmakers lean heavily toward Crystal Palace, reflecting both their first-leg advantage and home support. Shakhtar’s long odds (as high as 6.09) seem slightly excessive given their attacking form and away resilience, so there’s some value for risk-takers. Over 2.5 goals at around 1.90 suggests expectations of an open game, which fits both sides’ recent records. Both teams to score is also well-priced considering Palace’s vulnerabilities and Shakhtar’s momentum.
Crystal Palace. Source: Official Facebook
Possible Starting Lineups
Crystal Palace possible starting eleven
- GK: Walter Benítez
- DF: Tyrick Mitchell, Chris Richards, Daniel Muñoz, Maxence Lacroix
- MF: Jefferson Lerma, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Ismaila Sarr, Jaydee Canvot
- FW: Jörgen Strand Larsen
Benítez in goal brings reliability, while Lacroix and Richards form a strong central pairing. Mitchell and Muñoz provide width and defensive balance. Lerma and Wharton anchor the midfield, Kamada’s creativity and Sarr’s direct running threaten Shakhtar’s backline. Canvot adds work rate, with Strand Larsen likely to lead the line. Glasner should stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1, offering defensive shape and midfield control. Kamada and Sarr stand out as the players most likely to change the game’s tempo or find a breakthrough.
Shakhtar Donetsk possible starting eleven
- GK: Dmytro Riznyk
- DF: Mykola Matviyenko, Valeriy Bondar, Vinícius Tobias
- MF: Egor Nazaryna, Lucas Ferreira, Oleg Ocheretko, Irakli Azarov
- FW: Artem Bondarenko, Lassina Traore, Newerton
Riznyk takes the gloves, with Matviyenko and Bondar key in a back three, joined by Vinícius Tobias for added pace. Nazaryna and Ferreira orchestrate play from deep, while Ocheretko and Azarov offer energy and support on the flanks. Up front, Bondarenko partners Traore and Newerton, a trio capable of fluid movement and pressing. Turan will likely set up in a 3-4-3, maximizing their technical midfield and wide options. Bondarenko and Ferreira remain key threats both as scorers and providers.
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Shakhtar. Source: Official Facebook
TipsGG Match Prediction
We predict a competitive match with both teams scoring and the total goals exceeding 2.5. Crystal Palace’s structure and home crowd give them the edge, but Shakhtar’s unbeaten streak and attacking depth mean Palace must remain alert. Expect a fast start from Shakhtar as they chase the deficit, which could leave spaces for Palace’s wide players to exploit. Over 9.5 corners appeals given both teams’ recent set-piece numbers, and the midfield duel between Kamada and Bondarenko should provide plenty of action. Palace’s discipline may just be enough, but this tie is far from over.
