Conference League: Crystal Palace vs Shakhtar 07/05/2026

Asian handicap betting

Crystal Palace started the season the same way they ended the previous one. Solid, well-structured and effective, they showed they would be competitive again. However, in mid-December they reached their limits. With a relatively thin squad hit by injuries and absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations, they could not cope with the congested schedule and went about two months without a win.

They are now entering the final stretch in good form, having rediscovered their rhythm, with the Conference League being their only remaining target. The 3-1 win in the first leg has brought them one step from the final and they are now the clear favorite with bookmakers, at odds around 1.60, to win the competition.

By recent standards, this year’s Shakhtar is a solid version of the team. They have essentially secured the league title and their European campaign has also been successful. Displaced since 2014, they now play their European home matches in Poland and, thanks to strong connections in Brazil, they continue to perform at a high level.

Crystal Palace likely has a higher ceiling, but after winning the first match 3-1, they can do the job even with a one-goal defeat. In the first leg, they played a more passive role and made almost perfect use of the spaces they found. Shakhtar has strong away performances and will chase their chances. It will not be easy for them to qualify, but it will not be easy to lose again by two goals either.