Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace tips & betting offers: Get £30 in free bets

It’s a huge match for both Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace in the semi-final of the Conference League as both sides fight to win their first European trophy. Our betting expert can reveal their top tips for the match, whilst you can also see details around Midnite’s exciting new sign up offer below.

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Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace Betting Tips

Shakhtar Donetsk host Crystal Palace in Poland for the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final on Thursday, 30th April. Our betting expert has analysed the stats and form for this fixture, so read on for the analysis behind his selections.

• Draw @ 23/10
• First Half Asian Handicap: Shakhtar +0.0, 0.5 @ 3/4
• Under 2.5 Goals @ 7/10

Stalemate on the Cards in Poland

Shakhtar enter this fixture on a seven-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, but Crystal Palace represent a significant step up in quality. The Ukrainian side faces its most difficult challenge in the competition so far against a Premier League outfit.

Oliver Glasner’s team is priced as the favourite and possesses the superior squad on paper. However, with their inconsistent results on the road and the security of a second leg at Selhurst Park, the Eagles may be content to secure a draw before returning to London.

Crystal Palace have averaged 1.57 points per game from their seven Conference League away matches, drawing two of them. Furthermore, four of the Eagles’ last 10 matches across all competitions have ended in a tie after 90 minutes, suggesting they are comfortable sharing the spoils.

With a narrow statistical margin separating the two sides and Palace experiencing a minor slump in form, the Ukrainians have the capability to hold the visitors. A draw appears to be a value selection at the current odds.

• Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace tip 1: Draw @ 23/10

Miners to Start Strongly

Shakhtar Donetsk are well-positioned to defy their underdog status in the opening leg of this semi-final. Despite the match being held on neutral ground, the data points towards the Ukrainian side avoiding defeat in the first half.

The nominal home side is enjoying a strong continental campaign, having suffered only two defeats in 18 European fixtures this season between the Europa League and Conference League. They have collected 10 wins and six draws during this impressive run.

Shakhtar have also demonstrated efficiency in the final third, finding the net nine times across the previous two rounds of the competition. This attacking threat gives them a solid foundation to build from in the early stages of the match.

Analysis of this season’s performances shows that Shakhtar are particularly difficult to break down early on, having trailed at half-time in only three of their 12 European matches. Backing them on the first-half Asian Handicap market, where a draw at the break secures a half-win, is a calculated move.

• Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace tip 2: First Half Asian Handicap: Shakhtar +0.0, 0.5 @ 3/4

Defences to Dominate Proceedings

Defensive solidity has been a key feature for Crystal Palace this season under Oliver Glasner. The Eagles often look to defend in a deep block, making it difficult for opponents to create clear-cut chances, which supports a wager on under 2.5 goals.

The statistics from this competition reinforce this tactical approach. There have been two goals or fewer in eight of Crystal Palace’s 14 Conference League matches, which have seen a low average of just 2.14 goals per game.

Both teams have demonstrated strong defensive metrics. Crystal Palace have an expected goals against (xGA) of just 9.25 after 12 matches in this competition, while Shakhtar’s xGA is a similarly robust 9.44 after 10 games. With two resilient defences on display, a low-scoring contest is anticipated.

• Shakhtar vs Crystal Palace tip 3: Under 2.5 Goals @ 7/10