Two teams competing in their maiden European final clash at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig on Wednesday, when Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League.
History will be made for one of these two as they aim to lift the trophy aloft and also secure a place in next season's Europa League, with neither side obtaining European football via their domestic finishes.
For the Eagles, this will also mark Oliver Glasner's final match in charge with his contract expiring this summer, while this is also expected to be Inigo Perez's last game at the Rayo helm following reports he will take over at Villarreal.
Both managers will be eyeing a fairytale end to their tenures and it promises to be an enthralling battle in Germany.
Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano betting picks and predictions
Rayo Vallecano to lift the trophy (+162)
Palace's focus has been on this Conference League final for several weeks now and it is perhaps no surprise to see their domestic form suffer as a result, but it is still important to build momentum heading into the showpiece event and this is something they have not done.
The Eagles have gone four matches without a victory and they have not tasted success in the Premier League since a 2-1 home triumph over Newcastle United on April 12th.
To make matters worse for Palace, they are sweating over the fitness of star midfielder Adam Wharton, who came on in the second half of Sunday's 2-1 loss to Arsenal, only to last 16 minutes before being subbed off with an ankle injury.
Glasner is hopeful the England international will be fit and available for this contest, but his absence from the starting XI would be a huge blow given how important he has been to the club.
It has been a different end to the campaign for Vallecano, who extended their unbeaten streak to nine matches in all competition courtesy of Saturday's 2-1 victory at Alaves.
That wasn't enough to secure European football via their La Liga finish, as they ended up eighth, but that will only make the team hungrier to get the win in Leipzig and send Perez out on a high.
But to add more protection when siding with Vallecano, the safer play is to back them to lift the trophy, as this brings in the prospect of the game requiring extra-time and potentially penalties.
Alexandre Alemao anytime goalscorer (+260)
A big reason for Vallecano's impressive finish to the season has been the form of Alexandre Alemao, who has scored five goals in his last eight appearances.
The 28-year-old Brazilian netted in both legs of the semi-final victory over Strasbourg, taking his Conference League tally to four, and he will be relishing the chance to take on a fragile Palace backline.
The Eagles have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight assignments and they could be punished by the in-form Alemao.
Jaydee Canvot to be booked (+200)
There are often plenty of challengers flying in during a final and the chance of the referee handing out some bookings during this European spectacle looks to be high.
One player in danger of having his name taken is Palace's 19-year-old defender Jaydee Canvot, who has become an established first-team member since his summer switch from Toulouse.
The France U21 international has picked up six cautions for the Eagles, two of those coming in his last six outings, and he could be forced into a few rash challenges in Leipzig.
Three of Canvot's cautions have come in the Conference League and he may struggle to stay out of the referee's notebook against a Vallecano side boasting plenty of attacking threat.
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Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano odds
Crystal Palace | -112 |
Tie | +240 |
Rayo Vallecano | +310 |
Crystal Palace vs. Rayo Vallecano player props
Anytime goalscorer
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Palace) | +105 |
Jorgen Larsen (Palace) | +140 |
Ismaila Sarr (Palace) | +175 |
Evann Guessand (Palace) | +187 |
Yeremy Pino (Palace) | +300 |
Brennan Johnson (Palace) | +260 |
Alexandre Alemao (Rayo) | +260 |
Alvaro Garcia (Rayo) | +333 |
Jorge De Frutos (Rayo) | +275 |
Sergio Camello (Rayo) | +275 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
