Crystal Palace open their UEFA Europa League campaign at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening against Polish side Lech Poznan. The match kicks off at 19:00 UTC as the first of eight League Stage fixtures for Oliver Glasner's side.
Palace head into the contest 16th in the Premier League standings with three points from four games. Their recent form is mixed, with two wins and three losses from their last five outings. The most recent was a 3-2 home defeat to Ipswich Town last Saturday, where goals from Anan Khalaili and Jörgen Strand Larsen were not enough. They had previously beaten Middlesbrough 3-0 at home.
Squad news
Injuries will impact Glasner's selection for the European opener. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta remains out with a hamstring injury, with Eddie Nketiah also sidelined due to physical discomfort. Winger Ismaïla Sarr is nursing a groin problem, while defenders Chadi Riad and goalkeeper Dean Henderson are long-term absentees. The full injuries list is a concern. This leaves Jörgen Strand Larsen as the likely focal point in attack, supported by the creativity of Daichi Kamada, who provided two assists against Ipswich.
Lech Poznan, managed by John van den Brom, arrive in south London after a 1-0 win over Raków Częstochowa in the Polish Ekstraklasa. Their pre-season included a heavy 3-0 home loss to Danish side Aarhus. Their last starting lineup featured experienced forward Mikael Ishak and winger Patrik Wålemark.
Key context
Full-back Tyrick Mitchell is Palace's top scorer this season with two goals from four appearances, an unexpected source of threat from wide areas. The team's overall record shows six goals scored and 11 conceded in the league so far, with more detailed team stats available. A positive start in Europe could provide a welcome boost ahead of a tough domestic trip to face third-placed Leeds United on Sunday, a key fixture in their upcoming fixtures.
The Europa League represents a significant opportunity for Crystal Palace to test themselves on a continental stage. Securing points at home in the opening round is seen as important for building momentum in the new league-stage format. The match at Selhurst Park kicks off at 19:00 UTC on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
