Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina: Squads, Stats and Preview

Crystal Palace host the Conference League’s most successful team never to have won the competition as they face Fiorentina in the quarter-finals at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles go into the first leg of the round of 16 as heavy favourites, despite facing a side that has reached the final twice and the semi-finals once in the tournament’s four-season history prior to this campaign.

Fiorentina lost to West Ham in the 2023 final before dealing with Olympiakos the following year.

Their bid for glory last season was ended in the last four by Real Betis, and a draw with Premier League opposition presents them with a significant hurdle as they try to avoid further disappointment in the Conference League this season.

But Fiorentina, who moved five points clear of the Serie A relegation zone, will have reason to be confident they can handle the upset, especially as the second leg takes place at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence.

palace they needed extra time in the second leg to see off Cypriot side Larnaca in the last 16while Fiorentina eventually felt comfortable passing on Rakov Częstochowa.

Fiorentina are also coming off a crucial late win over Verona in Serie A, although Palace have a significant break advantage in their favor having not played a competitive game since their extra-time win in Cyprus.

Palace could have one eye on Sunday Premier League clash with Newcastle United as they look to reach the magical 40-point mark generally thought to be enough for relegation safety.

But with them 10 points behind third-bottom West Ham, there is an argument the Eagles can afford to focus on the Conference League as they aim to end Oliver Glassner’s time as manager with the club’s first European trophy.

On the back of a lackluster effort in the last round, and having had plenty of time to rest ahead of the match, the home fans will be expecting a much-improved performance that moves last season’s FA Cup winners closer to more silverware.

Team news for Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina

Cheick Doucoure (knee) and Eddie Nketiah (hamstring) are doubts for Palace, who should welcome goalkeeper Dean Henderson back from illness.

Adam Wharton is expected to be fit despite picking up a minor injury during the England game.

Rolando Mandragora, Manor Solomon, Nicolo Fortini and Fabiano Parisi are all set to miss out through injury for Fiorentina, but right-back Dodo is back in training following a hamstring problem.