Crystal Palace’s first European campaign has taken them to Norway, France, and Cyprus, but the trip to Dublin for their meeting with Shelbourne has quickly become one of the most anticipated journeys for supporters.
SoftFootball’s coverage of Palace’s dramatic domestic form, including their late win over Fulham, has shaped expectations heading into this fixture. Shelbourne, meanwhile, enter the match still searching for their first goal in the Conference League after a difficult group-stage run.
Shelbourne’s European journey has been unusual, involving both setbacks and memorable moments. They reached the league phase after edging Rijeka and beating Linfield over two legs, with Joey O’Brien’s side benefiting from a spirited home crowd. Their campaign has since stalled with one point from four games and only six shots on target across those matches.
Palace’s journey has been more positive but still inconsistent, alternating wins and defeats and coming into this game after being punished by Strasbourg. Even so, Palace remain among the favourites to win the tournament.
Team News
Crystal Palace will be without Daniel Muñoz and Ismaïla Sarr, both out with injuries, while Cheick Doucouré, Caleb Kporha, Rio Cardines, and Chadi Riad are also unavailable.
Oliver Glasner, juggling a busy December schedule, is expected to rotate the squad, with Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma, Borna Sosa, and Justin Devenny likely to start.
Palace’s defensive confidence remains high after their recent win at Craven Cottage, a result SoftFootball described as breaking a long-standing curse.
Shelbourne miss first-choice goalkeeper Conor Kearns, meaning Wessel Speel continues in goal. Liverpool loanee James Norris returns from suspension and should feature, while O’Brien may switch to a back five to limit Palace’s movement out wide.
Possible Lineups
Shelbourne (5-3-2): Speel; Mbeng, Coyle, Barrett, Ledwidge, Kelly; Henry-Francis, Lunney, McInroy; Wood, Odubeko.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Lerma, Hughes, Sosa; Devenny, Pino; Nketiah.
Shelbourne FC shared a post on their official X account hyping their UEFA Conference League match against Crystal Palace tomorrow at Tallaght Stadium.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Shelbourne’s lack of goals, limited match sharpness, and defensive struggles place them at a clear disadvantage. Palace’s depth, even with injuries, should give them control of the game from the start. SoftFootball predicts a Crystal Palace win, with the Eagles expected to dominate possession and create enough chances to secure a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Shelbourne 0-3 Crystal Palace.
