Paddy’s tipster predicts a Mateta masterclass as Palace go to Florence
It would certainly seem like Crystal Palace have one foot in the Conference League semi-finals after their 3-0 home win over Fiorentina last week. They’ll likely be in for an onslaught at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, but Oliver Glasner’s side have kept five clean sheets over their last eight fixtures so they’ll be confident of getting through the second leg unscathed.
PP football tipster Feargal Brennan has three picks for his Bet Builder. So, let’s get his Fiorentina v Crystal Palace picks…
Fiorentina v Crystal Palace BEt Builder tips
Both teams to score: Yes
Jean-Philippe Mateta to score
Ismaila Sarr 1+ shots on target
A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 4/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
WHEN: Thursday, April 16th, 8pm
WHERE: Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
TV: TNT Sports 3/HBOMax
Both teams to score: Yes
Palace’s season effectively hinges on the Conference League as they are not expected land a European place through the Premier League. However, if Glasner’s team do go on to win the Conference League, they’ll get an automatic spot in the Europa League for 2026/27.
That dominant home win over Fiorentina at Selhurst Park puts them on track for the semis, and even if they lose the second leg, they should still get over the line into the final four.
A shut out in South London was the first time Fiorentina have failed to score in the knockout stages, after three wins and a draw to get here, and I fancy them to at least score back on home soil. However, Palace will also back themselves as Fiorentina push for a win. The Serie A side have only kept one home clean sheet in the Conference League this season and that will give Palace even more confidence of finding the back of the net.
Jean-Philippe Mateta to score
Glasner opted to start Jean-Philippe Mateta on the bench for the weekend home clash with Newcastle. However, he was thrown on with 25 minutes to go and smashed in two goals, as Palace won their first league game in over a month.
He started and scored a penalty against Fiorentina last week, so the France international is expected to come back in, but make sure to keep and eye on Glasner’s team news ahead of kick-off.
Three goals in his last two games is a solid streak, and with 13 in all competitions this season, he could still beat his best-ever campaign tally of 19 from 2023/24.
Ismaila Sarr 1+ shots on target
Ismaila Sarr has been a consistent goal getter for Palace in the Conference League this season with six goals scored. Four of those have come in the knockout phase including one against Fiorentina.
With that in mind, he could be swapped with Mateta as a scorer bet, depending how Glasner lines up in Italy. If you want to go for a more low-key shout, he averages 1.7 shots on target per game in Europe this season, so he should test the Fiorentina keeper at least once.
Fiorentina v Crystal Palace bet Builder tips
Both teams to score: Yes
Jean-Philippe Mateta to score
Ismaila Sarr 1+ shots on target
A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 4/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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