Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — April 16, 2026
On Thursday, April 16, in the second leg of the Conference League quarterfinals, Fiorentina will host Crystal Palace on their home turf. Read on for a detailed preview and our match prediction.
See also: Strasbourg vs Mainz 05 prediction and betting tips 16 April 2026
Match preview
Fiorentina, under Paolo Vanoli, find themselves deep in a knockout blow. Conceding three unanswered goals to Palace is a heavy hit for a club that has reached the Conference League final twice in a row. The squad’s balance is disrupted: Rolando Mandragora, Manor Solomon, and Fabiano Parisi are all sidelined with injuries. The Viola need to score three times without reply—a tall order, but not impossible with David De Gea in goal. The real issue lies in the gaps in midfield.
Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace are the sensation of this stage. Their 3-0 victory (Mateta’s brace and a goal from Mitchell) allows them to play their favorite counterattacking football. The Londoners are displaying incredible physical form in 2026. Adam Wharton has fully recovered from a minor knock and is ready to anchor the midfield. The only significant absence is Eddie Nketiah, but with Mateta’s current form, it’s hardly a crisis. Jørgen Strand Larsen, who missed the first leg due to suspension, returns to the lineup, giving Glasner even more attacking options.
Tactically, Vanoli will have to take risks and switch to an ultra-attacking 4-3-3 or even 3-4-3 setup. Glasner, meanwhile, will stick to his tried-and-true 3-4-2-1 block, where Kamada’s interceptions and Sarr’s surges will be key.
Probable lineups
Fiorentina: de Gea — Comuzzo, Pongracic, Ranieri, Gosens — Fagioli, Fabbian, Ndour — Harrison, Kean, Gudmundsson
Crystal Palace: Henderson — Richards, Lacroix, Canvot — Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell — Sarr, Guessand — Mateta
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the previous encounter, Crystal Palace won 3-0
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in six matches: four wins and two draws
- Fiorentina have lost just one of their last seven games, winning four
Prediction
I believe both teams will create plenty of dangerous chances and deliver attacking football. My prediction: both teams to score – YES at 1.75
