Crystal Palace are in dire need of a win when welcoming Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Palace have endured a dismal start to the 2026/27 Premier League season -- clinching just seven points from nine top-flight games -- but they've made a respectable start to their debut Europa League campaign.
They commenced their tournament with a convincing 4-0 win against Lech Poznan, but they were on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline against Lyon in Matchweek Two.
Last time out in Europe the Eagles managed a point in a four-goal thriller against Besiktas -- a much improved performance after a 5-0 drubbing against Brighton just days prior -- and you get the impression that three points is crucial at Selhurst Park if under-fire Pierre Sage is to retain the backing of the Palace board.
Sage has made two changes to the Palace side that fell to a 2-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
Anan Khalaili replaces Osscar Mingueza at right wing-back. Quinten Timber returns from injury and is straight back into the starting XI, displacing Dwight McNeil.
Confirmed Crystal Palace XI
Dean Henderson, Jaydee Canvot, Axel Disasi, Chris Richards, Anan Khalaili, Adam Wharton, Quinten Timber, Tyrick Mitchell, Daichi Kamada, Yeremy Pino, Jean-Philippe Mateta.
