Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Match Preview
The final matchday of the UEFA Conference League League Phase brings Finnish side KuPS (Kuopion Palloseura) to Selhurst Park on Thursday, 18 December 2025. It is a vital night for both clubs. Crystal Palace sit 9th with 9 points, agonizingly close to the Top 8 spots that guarantee direct passage to the Round of 16. A win is non-negotiable if they want to avoid the February playoff round. KuPS, currently 25th with 6 points, are fighting for their European lives. Sitting just one spot outside the qualification zone (Top 24), they need a result in London to extend their fairytale journey.
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Match Info
- Competition: UEFA Conference League (League Phase – Matchday 6)
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London (Capacity: 25,486)
- Date: Thursday, 18 December 2025
- Kickoff: 20:00 GMT | 21:00 CET | 22:00 EET
- Referee: TBC (UEFA Appointment)
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Match Stakes
Crystal Palace (9th — 9 pts):
- Win → Moves to 12 pts; highly likely to jump into the Top 8 (Direct R16)
- Draw → Stuck in the playoff zone (9th-24th); adds two extra games in Feb
- Loss → Remains in playoff spots; disappointing end to the phase
KuPS (25th — 6 pts):
- Win → Moves to 9 pts; almost certain qualification for the playoffs
- Draw → Moves to 7 pts; leaves destiny dependent on other results (GD)
- Loss → Elimination confirmed; European campaign ends
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Team News
Crystal Palace:
- Rotation Expected: Oliver Glasner likely to rest key stars after the Man City loss.
- Eze E. — Available (Likely to start to regain rhythm)
- Wharton A. — Available (Midfield control)
- Nketiah E. — Available (Expected to lead the line)
- No major fresh injuries reported.
KuPS:
- Heinonen A. — Out (Inactive)
- Pasanen S. — Out (Injury)
- Salo R. — Out (Inactive)
- Kreidl J. — Available (Key Goalkeeper)
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Crystal Palace
- 14/12 — 0–3 vs Manchester City (Premier League)
- 12/12 — 3–0 vs Shelbourne (UECL)
- 07/12 — 2–1 vs Fulham (Premier League)
- 04/12 — 1–0 vs Burnley (Premier League)
- 30/11 — 1–2 vs Manchester Utd (Premier League)
KuPS
- 12/12 — 0–0 vs Lausanne-Sport (UECL)
- 05/12 — 1–2 vs AC Oulu (Friendly)
- 28/11 — 0–1 vs Jagiellonia (UECL)
- 22/11 — 0–2 vs BK Häcken (Friendly)
- 09/11 — 2–0 vs HJK Helsinki (Veikkausliiga)
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Head-to-Head
- No previous competitive meetings found.
- This is the first-ever match between Crystal Palace and KuPS.
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1)
Henderson; Richards, Holding, Lacroix; Clyne, Hughes, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Nketiah
KuPS (4-3-3)
Kreidl; Antwi, Cisse, Miettinen, Saarinen; Oksanen, Pennanen, Voutilainen; Savolainen, Ogunkoya, Lampinen
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Impact Bench
Crystal Palace: Mateta (Goal insurance), Munoz (Energy), Wharton (Control)
KuPS: Muzinga (Speed), Vidjeskog (Midfield depth)
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Tactical Analysis
Crystal Palace
Despite the recent loss to Man City, Palace are heavy favorites. Oliver Glasner will demand high intensity to break down KuPS’s low block early. With Eze and Kamada operating between the lines, Palace will look to overload the central areas. The gulf in quality means Palace can afford to play a high defensive line, pinning the Finnish side in their own half.
KuPS
The Finnish season ended in November, meaning KuPS are effectively in their off-season. Lack of match sharpness is a massive issue, as seen in their recent friendly losses. They will set up in a 4-5-1 defensive shape, trying to frustrate Palace and hoping Johannes Kreidl has a world-class game in goal. Their only chance is a set-piece or a lucky break.
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Key Battles
- Nketiah vs Cisse — Premier League speed vs physical center-back
- Eze vs Oksanen — the creative master vs the defensive screen
- Sarr vs Antwi — pace mismatch on the wing
- Henderson vs The Cold — goalkeeper needs to stay warm and alert
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Spotlight Players
Crystal Palace — Eddie Nketiah
After playing a secondary role in the league recently, this is his stage. His movement in the box should be too sharp for a rust-filled KuPS defense. Expect him to hunt for goals.
KuPS — Petteri Pennanen
The veteran captain is the heartbeat of this team. If KuPS are to produce a miracle, Pennanen needs to control the ball and buy fouls to relieve the relentless Palace pressure.
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Prediction
Crystal Palace 4–0 KuPS
The difference in fitness, quality, and motivation is too large. KuPS are brave but are playing out of season against a Premier League side chasing a Top 8 finish. Palace should cruise to a comfortable victory under the lights at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Betting Insights
- Crystal Palace -2.5 Handicap — High Value
- Eddie Nketiah to Score — Very Likely
- Both Teams to Score — NO
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — Where to Watch
- UK: TNT Sports 1, Discovery+
- Finland: Viaplay
- International: CBS Sports (USA), Stan Sport (Australia)
Crystal Palace vs KuPS — FAQs
Q: When is the Crystal Palace vs KuPS match?
A: The match kicks off on Thursday, 18 December 2025, at 20:00 GMT.
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: It takes place at Selhurst Park in South London.
Q: Is Eberechi Eze playing?
A: Yes, he is expected to feature as Palace want to secure a heavy win for goal difference.
Q: What does KuPS need to qualify?
A: KuPS likely need a win to reach the Top 24. A draw might not be enough depending on other results.
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