Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – News and Probable Lineups

In their inaugural European quarter-final, Crystal Palace host Fiorentina at Selhurst Park for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League tie on Thursday evening.

Following a goalless home draw, the Eagles progressed past AEK Larnaca in the round of 16, achieving a 2-1 victory after extra time in Greece, while Fiorentina secured their place in the quarter-finals by defeating Rakow Czestochowa with identical 2-1 wins both at home and away.

Match overview

After a tough period from mid-December to the end of January, during which Crystal Palace failed to secure a win, they have found their form at a pivotal moment in the season.

The Eagles are currently unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions and can take extra confidence from their impressive European run, having not lost in their last six Conference League fixtures.

Nonetheless, it has been a frustrating season overall, as Palace initially excelled in the 2025–26 campaign by remaining unbeaten in their first 10 matches before losing their momentum, affected by the exits of several key players.

Oliver Glasner’s squad has had difficulty maintaining consistency at Selhurst Park, winning only three Premier League matches at home, but they are known to elevate their performance in high-pressure encounters such as this.

This represents the club’s first venture into a major European quarter-final, marking a historic occasion, as they become the fifth English team to reach this stage of the Conference League—joining Leicester City, West Ham United, Aston Villa, and Chelsea—all of whom progressed to win their respective ties.

Fiorentina are regular contenders at this level of UEFA competitions, but this will be their first encounter with an English team since the 2023 Conference League final in Prague.

The Violets have faced a disappointing domestic campaign, currently sitting 15th in the Serie A standings, although, like Crystal Palace, Paolo Vanoli’s team has demonstrated signs of recovery, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches.

Experience may prove vital, as Fiorentina has reached at least the semi-finals in their last three Conference League campaigns and boasts a formidable history in knockout competitions.

They have triumphed in 10 of their 11 European quarter-finals, their sole defeat at this stage occurring in the 1969-70 season against Celtic.

In the last round, Fiorentina became the first team to reach 50 matches in the Conference League, with only four losses in their overall 22 European quarter-final encounters.

Team News

It has been over three weeks since Crystal Palace last participated in a competitive fixture, and Glasner will hope that this break has allowed several key players to heal in time for this vital match.

Dean Henderson was absent for the second leg against AEK Larnaca due to illness, but the former Manchester United goalkeeper is anticipated to return to the lineup on Thursday.

Similarly, Glasner confirmed at the end of March that Adam Wharton had sustained a minor injury, but he is expected to be fit enough to feature in this match.

Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure are both doubts, with the former more likely to return later in the month.

On the Fiorentina side, several key players are likely to be sidelined, including Rolando Mandragora, Manor Solomon, Niccolo Fortini, and Fabiano Parisi due to injury concerns.

However, there is some positive news for the visitors as Dodo, who missed the match against Hellas Verona, has returned to training and is expected to be included in the traveling squad.

Crystal Palace probable starting XI:

Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Johnson, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell, Sarr, Mateta, Guessand

Fiorentina probable starting XI:

De Gea; Comuzzo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens; Fabbian, Fagioli, Ndour; Harrison, Kean, Gudmundsson

Statistics heavily favor Fiorentina, who have won 15 of their last 16 two-legged European ties, although they have been less impressive against English sides, winning just six of their last 13 such matches.

While Crystal Palace has struggled for home consistency this season, they tend to elevate their performance on European nights, and having reached this stage, they will feel confident they can progress further, making a draw a plausible outcome.