Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 09.04.2026
One of the Conference League quarter-finals will take place on Thursday at Selhurst Park in London, where Crystal Palace will host Italian side Fiorentina. Here’s my pick for the outcome of this thrilling clash, with solid odds for success.
Match preview
The Eagles are gradually getting back on track after a tough winter and approach the quarter-finals in a much more stable state. Before the break, the team defeated Tottenham, knocked out AEK Larnaca in the Conference League, and drew with Leeds United, though they did lose to Manchester United. After a long break, Oliver Glasner’s staff expect to see a fresher and more disciplined side.
The main feature of Palace’s play-off campaign has been a cautious approach to the first legs. In their opening encounters with Zrinjski and AEK, the team relied on defensive solidity, choosing not to open up and preferring to decide matters in the return leg – a strategy that could well be repeated here.
Fiorentina arrive in high spirits and with much greater confidence. Paolo Vanoli’s side are unbeaten in six matches, have stabilized their position in Serie A, and navigated the European rounds with composure – including wins over Raków after a tricky tie with Jagiellonia.
The visitors’ away form is particularly impressive: five wins in their last six away matches and a disciplined, compact style without the ball make them a tough nut to crack. The only concern remains injuries on the right flank, which could limit their attacking options.
Probable lineups
- Crystal Palace: Henderson, Clyne, Lacroix, Richards, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell, Johnson, Eze, Sarr, Mateta
- Fiorentina: De Gea, Pongracic, Ranieri, Comuzzo, Gosens, Fabbian, Fagioli, N'Dour, Kean, Gudmundsson, Piccoli
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams have scored in five of Crystal Palace's last eight Conference League matches.
- Fiorentina have won five of their last six away games.
- Crystal Palace have failed to win eight of their last ten home matches.
Prediction
Expect a very cautious first leg, with both sides looking to avoid unnecessary risk. Palace traditionally shut up shop in the opening game of a two-legged tie, while Fiorentina are comfortable in pragmatic football. The smart bet here is on “Under 2.5 goals”.
