Crystal Palace are expected to field a strong but slightly rotated side when they travel to face Strasbourg in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday 27th November 2025. The Eagles should line up in a back three with energetic wing-backs and a familiar attacking trio supporting Jean-Philippe Mateta up front.
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup vs Strasbourg (Thursday 27th November 2025)
Oliver Glasner has settled on a clear European structure and is unlikely to deviate too far from it for this important away tie. Palace’s approach should balance control in midfield with plenty of pace in wide areas, aiming to exploit spaces left by Strasbourg when they push forward at home.
Expected Crystal Palace XI
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Dean Henderson | First choice for European fixtures and expected to retain his place. |
| Centre-back | Jaydee Canvot | Likely to start on the right of the back three, offering mobility and aggression. |
| Centre-back | Maxence Lacroix | Provides recovery pace and composure through the middle of defence. |
| Centre-back | Marc Guehi | Returning to fitness and well suited to the left side of a back three. |
| Right wing-back | Daniel Muñoz | Key outlet on the right with his constant running and attacking threat. |
| Central midfield | Will Hughes | Experienced organiser who helps Palace manage tempo in tough away matches. |
| Central midfield | Adam Wharton | Brings passing range and energy, linking defence with the front three. |
| Left wing-back | Tyrick Mitchell | Provides defensive balance and covers aggressively down the left. |
| Right forward | Ismaila Sarr | Direct runner expected to attack the space behind Strasbourg’s back line. |
| Left forward | Yeremy Pino | Technical wide forward who drifts inside to combine with midfield and striker. |
| Striker | Jean-Philippe Mateta | Leads the line and will be relied upon to convert Palace’s best chances. |
This selection keeps Palace’s European shape intact while allowing for careful management of players recently back from injuries. The blend of ball retention in midfield and pace in the front line should suit an away game where counter-attacks are likely to be crucial.
Tactics and key roles
In possession, Palace are expected to build from the back, with Lacroix stepping forward to progress the ball and Hughes dropping deep to receive. The wing-backs will play a vital role, with Muñoz pushing high on the right and Mitchell alternating between overlapping and tucking in to protect against counters.
Wharton’s ability to switch play quickly should help release Sarr and Pino into one‑v‑one situations, especially when Strasbourg commit men forward. Mateta’s hold-up play and movement in the box will be central to turning those wide deliveries into clear scoring opportunities.
Injury news and selection dilemmas
Palace still have a couple of longer-term absentees, which slightly reduces rotation options in certain positions. There are also a few players whose minutes need to be monitored after recent fitness issues, particularly in central defence.
If extra physicality is required, there is scope for a more defensive-minded midfielder to come in, or for a tweak at the back to add height and strength. However, the most likely scenario remains a strong XI very close to the one outlined above, as Palace look to secure a positive result in France.
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