- Team form: Crystal Palace have been in hot and cold form recently (W2, L3) and are priced as strong favorites by the market.
- Opposition form: KKS Lech Poznan are in great form, winning eight of their last ten in all competitions (W8, D1, L1).
- Away form: Lech Poznan are solid away from home, avoiding defeat in four of their five away games in all competitions (W3, D1, L1).
Exciting game likely at Selhurst Park
Crystal Palace are strong favorites for Thursday's UEFA Europa League 2026-2027 match against Polish side KKS Lech Poznan and it is hard to argue with that assessment. The Eagles come into this matchup following a positive 3-2 win away at Fulham and a 3-0 home win over Middlesbrough in the cup last time out, but a 3-2 loss to Ipswich in the home game before that proves that they can be exposed at the back.
Lech are in stunning form overall with eight wins, one draw and just one defeat in their last ten, so we're not expecting a complete domination by the English team. Instead, this game should be a tactical chess match between two good, well-organised teams with different strengths and tactics.
Kolejorz can trouble the Eagles
Tactical battle
Pierre Sage's Palace are very well drilled at the moment, with a compact back-three shape and some really sharp vertical counters that can spring forwards quickly on the break. The width of the wing backs should cause problems for Lech, who like to play with a double pivot and fast vertical passing to find their own way through teams with their pace.
Key players
Daichi Kamada is the man that has been pulling the strings for Palace recently, creating three assists in their last five and bringing some real guile to their attack. Joergen Strand Larsen has been their main man up front, netting three of their eight goals in that period.
Value in the draw or double chance
Lech are a similar story to Palace in that they are in hot and cold form with three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five matches, so the value is in the 4.6 for the draw.
Over 2.5 goals at 1.62 and Both Teams to Score: Yes at 1.8 look about right, although it is more likely that Palace will get the three points.
- However, our main selection will be Lech at 7.0, which gives a bit more leeway for the visitors to get something from this matchup.
- Lech beat Rakow Czestochowa 1-0 at home before losing 2-1 away at KS Gornik Zabrze, which was a solid set of results for them considering the relative strength of the opposition.
- Lech have kept things relatively tight away from home in all competitions, going 3-1-1 in five away fixtures and conceding just seven goals.
- Palace have three wins from five at home in all competitions and are averaging 2.80 goals per game, so we think Selhurst Park should have enough bite for the hosts to make the game competitive.
