Crystal Palace vs KuPS: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, key players

Crystal Palace host Finnish side KuPS in their final Europa Conference League league-phase fixture at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening.

Palace beat Shelbourne 3-0 in their last game in the competition, strengthening their chances of finishing in one of the automatic round-of-16 qualification spots.

KuPS were held to a goalless draw at home by Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport, leaving them just outside the play-off spots.

Match preview

Palace suffered a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday and must put that disappointment aside to secure a positive result in this game.

Currently ninth, Palace will be aiming for a victory to break into one of the automatic qualification places and avoid the rigours of the play-offs.

With Palace set to face Leeds United in the league on Saturday and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup three days later, this clash will be a big test of their squad depth.

KuPS will provide a stern test for Palace. They have collected six points from their first five games, scoring just four goals and conceding three times.

Head-to-head

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Palace and KuPS.

Team news

Palace will be without Ismaila Sarr, who has left for the Africa Cup of Nations. Daniel Munoz, Chadi Riad, Caleb Kporha, Rio Cardines, Cheick Doucoure and Daichi Kamada are sidelined.

Samuel Pasanen is the only injury concern for the visitors.

Key players

Crystal Palace

Yeremy Pino: The Spaniard has registered three goal involvements, the joint-highest for the Eagles in the competition.

Marc Guehi: His towering presence at both ends of the pitch is vital for the hosts.

KuPS

Johannes Kreidl: Only Omonia’s Francis Uzoho has prevented more goals in the competition.

Piotr Parzyszek: Has scored twice in the Europa Conference League this term.

Stats from sofascore.com.