Crystal Palace v Lech Poznan: Europa League opener at Selhurst Park on September 17

Crystal Palace will meet Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park in London on September 17 in the opening group-stage match of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27. Palace arrive following a 2-3 Premier League defeat to Ipswich Town.

Crystal Palace won the UEFA Conference League last season and enter this Europa League campaign aiming for silverware at that level. Their form has been inconsistent and Pierre Sage’s side will be at home, a factor the preview says gives Palace a slight edge if they control the game from the start. Lech Poznan have been on a decent run of form but were beaten in their last Ekstraklasa outing by Gornik Zabrze after taking an early lead. The report states Niels Frederiksen’s men lacked composure defensively in that match and should avoid the same errors on Thursday.

The 30-year-old Daichi Kamada has been highlighted for Crystal Palace after producing a couple of assists in recent league games and is expected to start in the attacking midfield role. For Lech Poznan, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh is described as a key attacking option operating on the left flank; the 25-year-old has scored four goals in seven league matches this season and can create chances by opening spaces and delivering balls into the box.

Crystal Palace will be without Ismaila Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Chadi Riad due to injury, while Edward Nketiah is not yet confirmed because of a lack of fitness. Palace captain Dean Henderson is reported to be sidelined until mid-October with a persistent ankle injury.

Lech Poznan will miss Ali Gholizadeh, Alex Douglas, Daniel Hakans and Antoni Kozubal through injury, with Kamil Jkobczyk possibly unavailable due to fitness concerns. Probable lineups provided in the preview are: Benitez (GK); Richards, Disasi, Chilwell; Khalaili, Lerma, Wharton, Mitchell; Kamada, Pino; Larsen Lis (GK); Pereira, Skrzypczak, Monka, Gurgul; Walemark, Murawski, Berggren, Sayyadmanesh; Ishak, Rodriguez.

The preview’s prediction for the fixture is Crystal Palace 2-1 Lech Poznan.

Fans in India can watch the match on Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV. For further updates, the preview directs readers to follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join its communities on Whatsapp & Telegram.