Key facts:

• Shakhtar Donetsk has an impressive record against English teams, with five wins from nine matches.
• Crystal Palace won the FA Cup last season under manager Oliver Glasner.
• The match is the semi-final first leg of the Conference League.
• Shakhtar’s last match against an English team was a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League.
• Crystal Palace has six wins in the Conference League, five of which were by a margin of two or more goals.

The match will be streamed for free in Turkey on TRT1 via Tabii. In the UK, fans can watch it live on TNT Sports 2 and HBO Max. In the US, the match will be available for streaming on Paramount+.

Shakhtar’s starting XI includes players like Riznyk, Tobias, and Kauã Elias. Crystal Palace’s lineup features Henderson, Richards, and Mateta.

Shakhtar continues to deal with challenges due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Their achievement of reaching a European semi-final adds weight to their performance this season.

Oliver Glasner’s squad aims to build on their FA Cup success. However, they were recently eliminated from this year’s FA Cup by non-league side Macclesfield.

The stakes are high for both teams as they compete for a spot in the Conference League final. FourFourTwo predicts a big win for the Eagles in Warsaw.

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Nantes will face Strasbourg in a crucial Ligue 1 match on March 22, 2026, at 19:45 GMT, as they look to move away from relegation trouble. This match marks the first time Vahid Halilhodzic will manage Nantes in his second spell, having previously led the team during the 2018-19 season.

Currently, Nantes sits second bottom of the league table, making this match essential for their hopes of survival. The team is under pressure to secure points, especially with Johann Lepenant, a key player, expected to have scoring opportunities if he starts.

Strasbourg, on the other hand, comes into the match after playing a Conference League match against Rijeka on Thursday night. This could impact their performance, as they may have fatigue to contend with.

The stakes are high for Nantes, who are eager to escape the relegation zone. With Halilhodzic at the helm, the team hopes to turn their fortunes around and secure a vital win against Strasbourg.

As the match approaches, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Halilhodzic’s tactics will influence the team’s performance. The kickoff is set for 19:45 GMT, and both teams will be looking to make a statement.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup for Nantes, but the inclusion of Johann Lepenant could be pivotal in their strategy against Strasbourg.

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What does Fiorentina’s recent victory against Rakow mean for their current standing in Serie A? While they won 2-1 in the Conference League, Fiorentina is facing significant challenges in domestic play, currently sitting in 17th place with 25 points.

Fiorentina’s win over Rakow was marked by a stoppage-time penalty scored by Albert Gudmundsson, which secured their advancement in the tournament. However, the team has struggled in Serie A, managing only one point and failing to score in their last two matches.

As they prepare for their next match against Cremonese, who are in 18th place with 24 points and have not won since December 7, 2025, the stakes are high for Fiorentina. The match is set to kick off at 19:45 GMT, and both teams are in desperate need of points to avoid relegation.

Fiorentina’s lineup features key players such as De Gea, Dodo, and Gosens, while Cremonese will rely on Audero and Folino. The match is crucial for both sides, as Fiorentina has nine finals left to play this season.

Manager Paolo Vanoli expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance against Rakow, emphasizing the importance of key players like Moise Kean, who is fit to return to the bench after an ankle issue. Vanoli stated, “I’m pleased because he’s an important player. When there’s anger and that desire to play, it means he wanted to make an impact and help out. After all, I’m the manager and I also have to understand that he’s an important player for us and that we still have nine finals and a round to get through.”

As the season progresses, Fiorentina must balance their commitments in both Serie A and the Conference League. The pressure mounts as they aim to secure their position in the top flight of Italian football.

With their next match against a struggling Cremonese, the outcome could significantly impact both teams’ fates as they fight to avoid relegation.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential changes in the lineup or strategy for the upcoming match.

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Raków Częstochowa has established itself as a formidable force in Polish football, following back-to-back Polish cup triumphs in 2021 and 2022, culminating in their first league title in 2023. Currently, they are in second place in the Ekstraklasa, just four points adrift of the top spot. Their performance in the Conference League has been impressive, with a 100% home record this season, making them a tough opponent on their home turf.

In the first leg of their knockout tie against Fiorentina, Raków Częstochowa suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat, putting them in a challenging position as they prepare for the return match on March 19, 2026, at Zagłębiowski Park Sportowy in Częstochowa. The stakes are high for Raków, who will be looking to overturn the one-goal deficit and advance in the tournament.

Fiorentina, on the other hand, has had a tumultuous season, currently fighting for survival in Serie A. Their recent form has been inconsistent, as highlighted by their last match, where they secured a 4-1 victory against Cremonese. Despite their struggles domestically, Fiorentina has a strong record in the Conference League, having progressed from 10 of their previous 11 knockout ties. They are also the team with the most matches played in the competition, totaling 50 since its inception.

Key players for Raków Częstochowa include Lukasz Tomczyk, who has been pivotal in their attacking play, while Fiorentina will rely on talents like Moise Kean and Roberto Piccoli to secure a favorable outcome. The match will be officiated by Juan Martínez Munuera, adding another layer of anticipation to this crucial encounter.

Observers expect an intimidating atmosphere in Częstochowa, with fans creating a vibrant scene filled with tifos and flares, reminiscent of a classic European away day. This environment could play a significant role in influencing the match’s outcome, as home advantage has proven beneficial for Raków throughout the season.

As the match approaches, analysts note that Raków Częstochowa has scored nine goals and conceded only two in their last six matches, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. In contrast, Fiorentina’s inconsistent performances raise questions about their ability to handle the pressure in such a crucial fixture.

As the two teams prepare to face off, the narrative is clear: Raków Częstochowa must capitalize on their home advantage to overturn the deficit, while Fiorentina aims to maintain their lead and secure progression in the tournament. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams, shaping their respective seasons in the process.

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“Same f**king formation that has a total of 0 goals against Larnaca in 180 minutes,” expressed a frustrated Crystal Palace fan ahead of the crucial second leg against AEK Larnaca. This sentiment reflects the growing anxiety among supporters as the teams prepare to meet again at the AEK Arena in Larnaca, Cyprus, on March 19, 2026, at 5:45 PM.

The first leg of this round of 16 tie ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving both teams eager to secure a decisive victory. AEK Larnaca has demonstrated a strong defensive performance throughout the Conference League, conceding only one goal in their seven fixtures. This statistic has made them a formidable opponent, as noted by another fan who remarked, “Larnaca have conceded just one goal during the entire Conference League campaign.”

In addition to their solid defense, six of Larnaca’s seven matches have gone under 2.5 goals, indicating a trend of low-scoring games. Crystal Palace, too, has seen similar results, with five of their last seven games also finishing under that threshold. This pattern raises questions about the offensive strategies both teams will employ in the upcoming match.

Crystal Palace’s predicted line-up includes goalkeeper Sam Henderson and a defensive line featuring Richards, Lacroix, and Canvot. The midfield is expected to consist of Johnson, Kamada, Wharton, and Mitchell, while Sarr, Guessand, and Strand Larsen are anticipated to lead the attack. However, fans remain skeptical about the effectiveness of this formation, with one supporter sarcastically stating, “Yes let’s use the exact system that worked so well last time!”

On the other side, AEK Larnaca is likely to field Alomerovic in goal, supported by Ionannu, Milicevic, Saborit, Ekpolo, and Garcia in defense. Their midfield will feature Rohden, Ledes, Pons, and Ivanovic, while Bajic is expected to spearhead their attack. Despite Larnaca’s struggles to create chances against Palace, managing just six shots in 180 minutes of action this season, they remain a tough opponent.

Crystal Palace currently leads the betting odds for the match, with odds of 4-7 for a win and 3-1 for a draw. The stakes are high as both teams aim to advance in the competition, especially after Palace’s recent form, having lost only two of their last ten matches. The return of Daniel Munoz from injury adds a boost to Palace’s squad, potentially influencing the outcome of the match.

As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the implications of this encounter. With the first leg ending in a stalemate, the second leg is poised to be a decisive battle for supremacy in the Conference League. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Crystal Palace can break through Larnaca’s resilient defense or if the Cypriot side can capitalize on their home advantage.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the line-ups, but the anticipation for this match continues to build. The outcome will not only determine who advances in the tournament but also shape the narratives surrounding both clubs as they strive for success in European competition.

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“Fiorentina believe Roberto Piccoli and Jacopo Fazzini can inspire them in the Conference League Round of 16 with Polish side Raków Częstochowa,” a club spokesperson stated ahead of the match.

The match is set to take place at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence, Italy, kicking off at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET). Fiorentina enters this fixture after a narrow escape to the Round of 16, having secured a 5-4 aggregate victory over Jagiellonia.

However, the Italian side will face significant challenges as they are missing key players due to suspension and injury. Notably, Marin Pongracic is suspended, and Moise Kean is sidelined with an injury, leaving Fiorentina’s attack weakened.

In contrast, Raków Częstochowa has shown strong form in the Conference League, finishing second in the opening phase with four victories and two draws. Their top scorer, Lamine Diaby-Fadiga, has netted six goals in the competition, while Jonatan Braut Brunes has scored an impressive 20 goals across all competitions this season.

Fiorentina’s recent form has been concerning, with the team recording two defeats and a goalless draw against Parma in their last three matches. Coach Paolo Vanoli has opted for a surprising number of starters for this crucial encounter, indicating the importance of the match.

Despite the challenges, Fiorentina has managed to sell approximately 6,000 tickets for home fans, with only about 300 Polish supporters expected to travel for the match. This low turnout may impact the atmosphere at the stadium.

The starting XI for Fiorentina includes Oliver Christensen, Fortini, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens, Fabbian, Mandragora, Ndour, Parisi, Piccoli, and Fazzini. This lineup reflects Vanoli’s strategy to leverage the experience of his players in a high-stakes match.

As the teams prepare to face off, the stakes are high for Fiorentina, who are looking to regain their footing in the competition after a rocky start to the season. The absence of key players adds pressure on the remaining squad members to perform.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the lineups or strategies as both teams finalize their preparations for the match.

The outcome of this match could significantly influence Fiorentina’s trajectory in the Conference League, making it a must-watch for fans and analysts alike.

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