Crystal Palace to debut in the Europa League against the Polish champions: Crystal Palace vs Lech Poznań prediction
The first-round match of the Europa League league phase between Crystal Palace and Lech Poznań will take place on September 17 at Selhurst Park. Last season’s Conference League winners will play in this tournament for the first time, while the Polish club came through qualifying and head into their European campaign in impressive scoring form.
- Read also: Beşiktaş perfect at home, Marseille on a three-game losing run: Beşiktaş vs Marseille prediction
Crystal Palace: an inconsistent start under a new manager
The London club is returning to European competition after a historic Conference League triumph. However, under Pierre Sage, the team made a poor start to the domestic season and suffered a 3-2 defeat to Ipswich in the latest Premier League round.
Their home form has also been far from ideal so far: Crystal Palace have lost their first two league matches at Selhurst Park. At the same time, the team went unbeaten in their last six home games in European competition last season.
Lech Poznań: impressive qualifying run and a dangerous attack
Lech came through Europa League qualifying after being knocked out of the Champions League. The Polish side comfortably saw off KI Klaksvík before thrashing Thun 7-0 at home to secure their place in the league phase.
In the Polish league, Lech have won five of their seven matches, although they lost 2-1 to Górnik before their trip to London. Pontus Wålemark and Mikael Ishak remain the key attacking figures and regularly deliver in European competition.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Crystal Palace won the Conference League last season and will now play in the Europa League for the first time.
- Lech scored seven unanswered goals against Thun in their home qualifying match.
- The Polish side have won five of their first seven league matches.
The visitors can make the hosts’ debut difficult: Crystal Palace vs Lech Poznań prediction
Crystal Palace have the stronger squad, but the team is still adapting to their new manager’s demands and have looked inconsistent at home. Lech, meanwhile, have already played several demanding European fixtures and know how to handle this kind of schedule.
The Poles are dangerous enough in attack to capitalize on the hosts’ mistakes, but the Londoners should also create plenty of chances on home soil. In this situation, the best option appears to be a “both teams to score” bet.
