The Matchday 1 fixture of the 2025/26 Conference League group stage between Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine) and Crystal Palace (England) will be held on October 2 at the Arena Lublin (Poland). Dynamo Kyiv vs. Crystal Palace: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Dynamo Kyiv
For the Ukrainians, this will be their third European competition this season. Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's side began their journey from the second qualifying round of the Champions League. The team overcame Hamrun but was eliminated in the next round by Pafos. In the Europa League, Kyiv did not last long, losing to Maccabi Tel Aviv (1-3, 1-0). Dynamo participated in the 2023/24 Conference League but did not reach the group stage. Notably, the Ukrainians approach this match with a seven-game uncompromising streak on the international stage (4 wins, 3 losses).
- Kyiv has scored in 6 of their last 8 European matches.
- Dynamo has conceded at least one goal in 13 of their last 16 home games in international competitions.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 6 of the team's last 8 European matches.
Predicted lineup for Dynamo Kyiv (3-4-3)
Valentyn Morgun – Kristian Bilovar, Vladyslav Dubinchak, Aliou Tiare – Mykola Shaparenko, Oleksandr Karavaev, Volodymyr Brazhko, Nazar Voloshyn – Oleksandr Pikhalyonok, Vladyslav Blanutsa, Shola Ogundana.
Crystal Palace
The team won the last edition of the FA Cup, earning a spot in the Conference League qualifying round. The encounter with Fredrikstad was in favor of Oliver Glasner's side (0-0, 1-0). Thus, the English club debuts in the main stage of European competitions. In the national championship, Crystal Palace is currently in third place.
- The British have not lost in 14 matches across the Premier League and Conference League (6 wins, 8 draws).
- In 14 of their last 15 away games in the Conference League and Premier League, the club has not scored more than two goals.
- The English have not conceded more than one goal in their last 6 away matches in these tournaments.
Predicted lineup for Crystal Palace (5-4-1)
Dean Henderson – Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Munoz, Marc Guehi – Adam Wharton, Yeremi Pino, Daichi Kamada, Ismaila Sarr – Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Referee
Lothar Dhondt (Belgium)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/2025 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 39;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 33%.
Match Prediction: Dynamo Kyiv vs. Crystal Palace
Dynamo Kyiv, unlike their opponent, has rich European competition experience. However, it's uncertain if this will aid Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's side. The Ukrainians have managed only 4 wins in their last 16 European matches (2 draws, 10 losses). Notably, three of those wins were in the qualifying rounds, with the only group stage success coming against RFS in the previous Europa League edition. The Latvians eventually joined Dynamo at the bottom of the standings. Additionally, the team has lost 3 of their last 4 matches in this European season.
Crystal Palace is the only team in the Premier League 2025/26 yet to taste defeat. Until the last round, there were two such clubs, but Oliver Glasner's side managed to beat Liverpool. The Londoners have also taken points from two other English representatives in European competitions. Encounters with opponents of this caliber provide their own experience. I don't think Kyiv will surprise the visitors.
My prediction – Crystal Palace to win
