Crystal Palace vs Lech Poznan: Dean Henderson Ruled Out

Crystal PalaceCRY

Yeremy Pino 10'
Chris Richards 27'
Jörgen Strand Larsen 34' (pen)
Eddie Nketiah 89'

UEFA Europa League

4–0

Full Time

HT 3–0

Selhurst Park

London

Lech PoznanLEC

Sent off:Radosław Murawski 87'

AI ForecastsGraded

Crystal Palace open their Conference League campaign at Selhurst Park with goalkeeper Dean Henderson missing, adding uncertainty to a backline that has conceded heavily in recent matches. Lech Poznan arrive in London on a three-match winning streak and unbeaten away from home…

Match ResultHome Win52%

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Live ForecastBetaPRO

Re-forecast the moment the match changes: every goal, every red card, and at half-time.

Match Stats

Top Stats

2.14xG1.10

53%Possession47%

16 (6)Shots (on target)17 (6)

1Big Chances Created2

Attacking Play

0.00xG on Target0.00

0.00Expected Assists (xA)0.00

47Final Third Entries46

36Penalty Area Entries35

Possession & Passing

545 · –Passes (accuracy)489 · –

6Corners5

33Poss. Won — Def 3rd27

22Poss. Won — Mid 3rd22

Duels & Pressing

35 (51%)Duels Won34 (49%)

3 (38%)Aerial Duels Won5 (63%)

74Ball Recoveries63

8.3PPDA (Pressing)25.2

Defending & Discipline

6Saves2

11Fouls7

+0.00Goals Prevented-4.00

Crystal Palace vs Lech Poznan: Dean Henderson Ruled Out

Published Sat 12 Sept

Crystal Palace kick off their UEFA Europa League league phase campaign on Thursday, September 17, when they face Polish side Lech Poznan in the opening round of the competition. Pierre Sage’s squad will be looking to balance their continental ambitions with a demanding domestic schedule.

Team News and Injury Latest

Crystal Palace have suffered a significant setback ahead of this fixture, with club captain Dean Henderson ruled out until after the international break. The 29-year-old goalkeeper has been managing a foot and ankle issue since a pre-season defeat by Freiburg and missed the recent loss to Ipswich Town. Walter Benitez will step in to deputise between the sticks, with Remi Matthews providing backup.

Manager Pierre Sage will also be without forwards Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who remain sidelined with injuries. Elsewhere in the squad, Sage’s strict tactical standards have heavily influenced selection. Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil were both dropped from the matchday squad for the recent Fulham victory after the manager criticised their substitute appearances during a heavy defeat by Manchester City. Sage publicly demanded a strong reaction in training, stating he needs his players to be at 100 per cent.

Crystal Palace Form Guide

The Eagles enter their European opener searching for consistency following a turbulent run of results. They recently secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage, sparked by two goals from Tyrick Mitchell and a decisive strike from Ben Chilwell. However, that momentum was immediately stalled by a 3-2 defeat against Ipswich Town.

Those erratic defensive displays, alongside a comprehensive 4-1 loss to Manchester City earlier in the month, highlight the challenges facing Sage’s side. The manager has admitted he is not a fan of heavy squad rotation, preferring tactical cohesion, but the rapid succession of domestic and European fixtures may force his hand as he evaluates his options against their Polish opponents.

European Continental Challenge

Facing Lech Poznan presents a fresh test for Palace, marking their entry into the revamped UEFA Europa League league stage. The Polish club will be eager to capitalise on any defensive frailties shown by the Premier League side, placing heavy emphasis on Palace's makeshift defensive setup in the absence of their captain.

Looking beyond this European encounter, Crystal Palace face a swift return to Premier League action with a trip to Leeds United on Sunday. A positive performance in the Europa League would provide a vital morale boost as Sage continues to assess his squad's depth and resilience ahead of the international break.