The Matchday 1 clash 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. Under the guidance of Oleksandr Shovkovskyi, they started their journey from the second qualifying round of the Champions League. The team overcame Hamrun, but were 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 Conference League in the 2023/24 season but did not reach the group stage. Notably, the Ukrainians approach this match with a seven-match streak of decisive outcomes in international competitions (4 wins, 3 losses).
- Kyiv scored in 6 of their last 8 European matches.
- Dynamo conceded at least one goal in 13 of their last 16 home international games.
- No more than three goals were 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 Karavayev, Volodymyr Brazhko, Nazar Voloshyn – Oleksandr Pikhaliyonok, Vladyslav Blanuta, Shola Ogundana.
Crystal Palace
The team won last season's FA Cup, earning a spot in the Conference League qualifiers. The tie against Fredrikstad was decided in favor of Oliver Glasner's side (0-0, 1-0). Thus, the English team makes its debut in the main stage of European competitions. In the national league, Crystal Palace is currently third.
- The British side is unbeaten in 14 matches in 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 scored no more than two goals.
- The English team conceded no more than one goal in their last 6 away games 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, Yeremy 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 opponents, have extensive European experience. However, it may not be enough to aid Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's side. The Ukrainians have won only 4 of their last 16 European matches (2 draws, 10 losses). Three of these victories were in the qualifying rounds, and their only success in the group stage came against RFS in last season's Europa League. The Latvians ended up alongside Dynamo at the bottom of the standings. Additionally, the team has lost 3 of their last 4 matches in this European campaign.
Crystal Palace is the only team in the 2025/26 Premier League yet to taste defeat. Until the last round, there were two such clubs, but Oliver Glasner's team managed to defeat Liverpool. The Londoners also took points from two other English representatives in European competitions. Matches against opponents of this caliber also provide valuable experience. I don't think Kyiv will be able to surprise the visitors.
My prediction: Crystal Palace to win
