Crystal Palace reaches first European final after beating Shakhtar Donetsk

Key facts

• Crystal Palace defeated Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate to reach the UEFA Conference League final.
• The Eagles secured a 2-1 victory in the second leg at Selhurst Park on Thursday.
• Oliver Glasner's side will play in their first-ever European final.
• Crystal Palace are one of two clubs playing twice in the upcoming Gameweek 36.
• Dwight McNeil's potential transfer to Crystal Palace was called off on deadline day.
• Everton have won the last two head-to-head meetings against Crystal Palace.
• Crystal Palace averages 1.1 goals per game in their last ten Premier League matches.

Eagles Soar into European Final

Crystal Palace has etched its name into the club's history, securing passage to their first-ever European final. The Eagles triumphed over Shakhtar Donetsk with a commanding 5-2 aggregate scoreline in the UEFA Conference League semi-final. Thursday's 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park sealed their fate, propelling them into a competition decider that few might have predicted at the season's outset. The significance of the achievement transcends the immediate sporting triumph. It represents a landmark moment for the club, offering a chance at continental silverware and a significant boost to morale. While the immediate focus shifts to the final, the implications for the club's domestic campaign and future European aspirations are considerable. The aggregate scoreline reflects a dominant performance across the two legs, demonstrating Palace's capability to navigate the pressures of a European knockout tie. Manager Oliver Glasner's tactical acumen and the players' execution have been central to this success.

A Near Miss in January and a Player's Upset

The path to this European final has been punctuated by significant domestic narratives, including a transfer saga involving winger Dwight McNeil. At the close of the January transfer window, a move for McNeil to Crystal Palace appeared imminent. The player had travelled to London, completed a medical, and was reportedly on the cusp of a £20 million transfer from Everton. However, Palace ultimately pulled the plug on the deal at the eleventh hour. This abrupt decision left McNeil in a state of distress, with his girlfriend publicly expressing his anguish and accusing the London club of toying with his emotions. The failed transfer meant McNeil had to return to Merseyside, his immediate future uncertain. Following the collapse of the deal, McNeil found himself out of favour at Everton, initially being dropped from matchday squads. Despite a period of uncertainty, he eventually returned to the starting eleven, showcasing flashes of his ability in subsequent matches. Yet, the close call with Palace serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the transfer market and its impact on players' careers.

Glasner's Rotation Strategy and Player Welfare

As Crystal Palace celebrates their European success, attention also turns to their domestic commitments, particularly with a 'Double Gameweek' on the horizon. The club, alongside Manchester City, is one of two Premier League sides scheduled to play twice in the upcoming Gameweek 36. This presents a unique opportunity for Fantasy Premier League managers but also raises questions about Oliver Glasner's team selection. Concerns about potential rotation have tempered the excitement surrounding Palace's double fixture. Glasner has opted to rest key players in three of the last four Premier League matches, a strategy that has fuelled speculation about further changes. The manager, however, indicated after the Shakhtar Donetsk victory that fatigue was not an issue for his players and that they had been granted a day off, including a night out in London. Further clarity on Glasner's plans for the upcoming Premier League fixtures is expected. While the publicly available portion of his post-match press conference offered limited insight into Sunday's game against Everton, more detailed comments are anticipated. The focus remains on how the Eagles will balance their European final preparations with their ongoing domestic responsibilities.

Form Guide: Palace and Everton's Recent Struggles

Sunday's Premier League clash at Selhurst Park pits Crystal Palace against Everton, with both sides seeking a much-needed morale boost. Recent form in the league has been inconsistent for both clubs, who have endured disappointing results and would welcome a victory to regain momentum. Crystal Palace has averaged a modest 1.1 goals per game over their last ten league outings, conceding an average of 1.3 goals and keeping clean sheets in four of those matches. Their recent results have shown a pattern of mixed outcomes: a 2-1 win against Shakhtar Donetsk was followed by a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, before another 2-1 victory over the Ukrainian side. At home, Palace have secured two wins in their last six Premier League fixtures, with two draws and two losses, scoring six and conceding seven. Everton, meanwhile, has scored 16 goals and conceded 16 in their previous ten league games, managing two clean sheets. Their recent form includes losses to Liverpool (2-1) and West Ham (2-1), followed by a 3-3 draw with Manchester City. In their last six away matches, Everton have recorded two wins, two draws, and two defeats, scoring nine goals and conceding ten. The Toffees have also held the upper hand in head-to-head encounters, winning the last two meetings against Palace by identical 2-1 scorelines.

Premier League Survival and Tactical Considerations

Both Crystal Palace and Everton have navigated seasons where relegation loomed, but have ultimately surpassed expectations, appearing destined for another Premier League campaign. This shared experience of battling against the drop has instilled a cautious approach in their recent performances. There is a palpable sense that both teams are prioritising avoiding defeat, perhaps favouring securing a single point over risking a loss in pursuit of three. This tactical inclination suggests that Sunday's encounter at Selhurst Park could be a closely contested affair, with a draw potentially representing a palatable outcome for both managers. Everton has demonstrated a strong record against teams in the bottom half of the table, accumulating 18 points from their last ten games against such opponents. Crystal Palace's season record stands at 11 wins, ten draws, and 13 defeats, while Everton has achieved 13 wins, nine draws, and 13 defeats. These statistics underscore the competitive nature of the league and the fine margins that often decide outcomes.

The bottom line

• Crystal Palace has reached its first European final after defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals.
• The club's success marks a significant historical achievement, offering a chance at continental silverware.
• A potential January transfer for Dwight McNeil to Crystal Palace fell through at the last minute, causing distress to the player.
• Oliver Glasner's rotation strategy for Premier League matches raises questions ahead of Crystal Palace's upcoming 'Double Gameweek'.
• Both Crystal Palace and Everton have shown inconsistent form in the Premier League but have largely secured their top-flight status.
• Everton has won the last two head-to-head league meetings against Crystal Palace.