No side in Europe’s top five leagues can currently boast a better unbeaten record than Crystal Palace, who arrive here without defeat in 18 straight matches (W10, D8). That run includes two trophies: lifting the FA Cup over Manchester City and then the Community Shield against Liverpool, as well as back-to-back wins this season over Slot’s side. Even without Eberechi Eze, the system Oliver Glasner has built is far greater than the sum of its parts, with Palace consistently proving resilient, balanced and effective. Their away form strengthens this angle, with three clean sheets in their last four trips.

Dynamo Kyiv, meanwhile, are Ukrainian champions but enter this competition under different circumstances. Knocked out of both Champions League and Europa League qualifying, they’ve found themselves back in UEFA’s third tier, a competition they scarcely aspire to. Playing on neutral territory due to ongoing unrest and following a summer clear-out of talent, their squad is significantly weaker than in years past. Kyiv’s record against English sides is also bleak, with just five wins in 30 attempts (D9, L16). Facing a Palace side at, arguably, their peak, the Eagles look well placed to extend their unbeaten streak with another victory.

With goals sometimes inconsistent in European matches, the corner market provides a more reliable angle. Palace are averaging 4.44 corners per game this season, with recent improvement shown by an eight-corner haul away at West Ham. That came after a cautious spell when adapting to life without Eze, as Glasner admitted his absence initially disrupted attacking cohesion. Now, with the side showing greater balance and fluidity, their corner production is rising back toward expected levels.

Dynamo Kyiv’s numbers point firmly in favour of this selection. They concede 5.07 corners on average, including 2, 5, 7, 4 and 4 across recent home matches, demonstrating consistent vulnerability in this metric. Even against weaker opposition, Kyiv has been often forced into blocks and clearances inside their own penalty area.

Palace’s recent dominance of possession and attacking territory against Premier League opposition shows they are more than capable of sustaining pressure here. With Kyiv set to spend much of the match defending deep, four or more corners for the visitors looks a highly achievable target.

Palace’s summer addition Yeremy Pino has quickly emerged as one of their most potent attacking outlets. Operating from the left of Glasner’s 3-4-2-1, the Spaniard has averaged 4.5 shots per 90 this season, with returns of 2, 5 and 3 in his first three starts. Even with the benefit of SuperSub figures of 4, 5 and 4 only strengthen this selection. His profile at Villarreal already highlighted him as a consistent shooter, averaging 1.39 attempts per 90 across all competitions last season.

Palace are expected to dominate possession and territory here, further inflating Pino’s opportunities. The team average 13.67 shots per game this campaign and, although that figure dips away from home, the gulf in quality between these sides should push the number closer to their higher end. Dynamo Kyiv are likely to be susceptible to numerous chances here, and Palace’s attacking superiority means Pino is unlikely to lack service. Given his sheer output and current form, registering at least two shots appears a modest expectation in this matchup.

Sarr remains one of Palace’s most dangerous attackers, and his direct style and dribbling ability consistently draws contact. This season he is averaging 1.71 fouls won per 90, with earlier match returns of 3, 1, 3 and 3 confirming his ability to force defenders into rash challenges. Both three-foul tallies came in Palace’s European qualifiers, suggesting he thrives in continental fixtures where opposition defenders are often less accustomed to his pace and physicality.

Discipline has long been an issue for Dynamo Kyiv, particularly on the European stage. In their last three continental home matches, they amassed 14, 12 and 15 fouls, reflecting a pattern of ill-discipline when under sustained pressure. While individual player data is scarce, their team profile suggests that Sarr’s dribbling, and acceleration will inevitably draw repeated fouls.

With Palace expected to dominate the ball and stretch Kyiv’s defensive lines, Sarr will see plenty of one-on-one situations. Against this backdrop, two fouls drawn looks comfortably within reach, especially given Kyiv’s history of struggling with discipline in European competition.