Crystal Palace will make their historic debut in a major European group stage competition on Thursday when they travel to Poland to face Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kyiv.
Oliver Glasner’s side are in sensational form, currently on an 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions. They will be strong favourites, but they face a Kyiv side that is also unbeaten this season and looking to make an impact.
Dynamo Kyiv vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025
- Kick-off: 5:45 pm BST
- Venue: Motor Lublin Arena, Lublin, Poland
- Last Meeting: NA
Team News
Dynamo Kyiv
The Ukrainian side will be without defender Denys Popov due to a calf injury. However, manager Oleksandr Shovkovskyi has an otherwise fit squad to choose from for this historic fixture. Captain Vitaliy Buyalskyi, the team’s joint-top scorer with four goals, will be a key figure in midfield.
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner has a strong squad for the club’s European debut, though he is still without Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad. Goalkeeper Walter Benítez also remains sidelined through injury. Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to lead the attack, with Marc Guehi set to captain the side.
Form
Dynamo Kyiv
The Ukrainian champions have made a strong, unbeaten start to their domestic season and sit just two points off the top of their league. However, their recent form has seen a run of three consecutive high-scoring draws. While they remain difficult to beat, conceding five goals in their last two matches has highlighted a defensive vulnerability that Crystal Palace will look to exploit.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles are on an incredible 18-match unbeaten streak, the longest of any team in Europe’s top five leagues. Their stunning 2-1 victory over Premier League leaders Liverpool at the weekend has only increased their confidence as they enter their first-ever European group stage match.
Predicted Lineups
Dynamo Kyiv predicted XI: Neshcheret; Karavayev, Bilovar, Mykhavko, Dubinchak; Pikhalyonok, Mykhaylenko, Buyalskyi; Yarmolenko, Guerrero, Voloshyn
Crystal Palace predicted XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Sosa; Sarr, Pino; Mateta
How to watch Dynamo Kyiv vs Crystal Palace?
The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+ in the UK. Coverage begins at 5:15 pm BST.
Read- Free Agent XI: The best players currently without a club
See more- Liverpool issue double injury update ahead of Chelsea clash
