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Crystal Palace predicted XI vs Fiorentina: Eagles aim to finish the job in Italy

Crystal Palace travel to the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday night with one foot in the Europa Conference League semi-finals.

A commanding 3-0 first-leg victory at Selhurst Park has given Palace a sizeable cushion, but the job is not done yet.

Fiorentina away under the lights is a different test entirely. However, Palace arrive in Italy full of confidence and momentum on their side.

The Eagles know a composed display should be enough to see them through.

Match preview

Palace manager Oliver Glasner has been clear in his messaging. They are here to win again.

That mindset has underpinned their European run so far, with the Eagles unbeaten in their last seven Europa Conference League matches.

However, they are still vulnerable. Fiorentina rattled the crossbar and applied sustained second-half pressure in the first leg, before Palace struck late to take full control of the tie.

The expectation is that the Italian side will go on the attack from the outset in Florence, pressing high and attempting to disrupt Palace’s rhythm.

That could open up spaces behind, something the Eagles ruthlessly exploited in London.

Despite their strong European pedigree, Fiorentina have never overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit and must now chase the game.

Match stats

Fiorentina have won 10 of their last 11 UEFA quarter-final ties. However, they have lost their last three European matches against English opposition.

They re unbeaten in their last six UEFA home matches against English teams, conceding just once.

Palace are unbeaten in their last seven Europa Conference League matches (W4, D3).

The Eagles have kept four clean sheets in that run and have lost just one of their six UEFA away games this season.

Crystal Palace team news

Eddie Nketiah is sidelined with a thigh injury, while Cheick Doucoure is a long-term absentee.

The ‘special‘ Evann Guessand is also unavailable after picking up a knee problem.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is pushing towards full fitness and has hit form at the right time, scoring three goals in his last two appearances.

Ismaila Sarr remains Palace’s biggest attacking threat in Europe, with six goals in the competition this season. Four have come in the knockout stage.

Yeremy Pino. could retain his place. The 23-year-old produced an impressive cameo in the first leg.

Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-3)

Dean Henderson; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot; Daniel Munoz, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell; Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Yeremy Pino.

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