Shelbourne the only team in one of UEFA's three major competitions to have not scored a goal
Palace six points to their name from two wins and two losses to date
Recommended bet: Crystal Palace to win and under 3.5 goals
Shelbourne and Crystal Palace lock horns in Dublin on Thursday night, with both teams harbouring very different ambitions in this season’s Conference League.
While the hosts are just looking to register their first European win of a disappointing campaign, the Eagles will be hoping to edge closer towards qualification for the knockout stages.
The latest Shelbourne vs Crystal Palace odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Shelbourne boss Joey O'Brien is light on defensive options, so will not be able to select his first-choice back four.
Sean Moore has not featured since August due to an ongoing groin problem, while central defender Sam Bone is struggling with a calf strain.
Having been sent off within the opening 16 minutes against Kosovan outfit FC Drita, James Norris has returned to parent club Liverpool.
The highly rated full-back was handed a three-match suspension for a straight red card offence, effectively ending his loan spell with the 14-time Irish champions.
Connor Kearns is nursing a torn hamstring, leaving summer signing Wessel Speel to continue deputising between the sticks.
Palace boss Oliver Glasner is also short on defenders, particularly down the right side.
Colombia international right-back Daniel Muñoz missed last weekend's clash with Fulham because of a knee issue, while youngsters Rio Cardines and Caleb Kporha remain sidelined.
Cheick Doucouré and Chadi Riad are recovering from serious knee injuries.
Ismaïla Sarr is also unavailable, after the Senegal winger suffered ankle ligament damage during Palace’s recent defeat to Man Utd.
The stats
Despite earning just one point from their first four Conference League outings, Shelbourne have only conceded four goals to date.
Before their domestic campaign concluded in early November, the Reds won five of their last six League of Ireland fixtures but could not prevent local rivals Shamrock Rovers from securing the title.
Palace have only lost five matches since the beginning of the season, although two of these defeats have come in the Conference League.
The South Londoners currently preside over the best away record in the Premier League, having already registered five victories at opposing venues this term.
The latest Shelbourne vs Crystal Palace odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Shelbourne have delivered several brave displays in Europe over the past few months, but still seem no closer to achieving that elusive first triumph.
However, the Dubliners have shown plenty of defensive resilience throughout the competition, no less than in October's goalless stalemate with Swedish side Hacken.
This will not exactly be welcome news for Palace fans, who have only witnessed their team score on five occasions during a rollercoaster maiden European campaign.
The Eagles have also netted fewer Premier League goals than 11 other English top-flight sides, so do not expect an attacking onslaught from Glasner's men.
However, the visitors should secure maximum points with little fuss on Thursday evening, as they look to propel themselves towards the summit of the Conference League standings.
Back Crystal Palace to win and under 3.5 goals at 2/1 with LiveScore Bet
