Crystal Palace were once again wasteful in front of goal as Oliver Glasner watched his side fall to a 3-1 defeat against Liverpool.
The Eagles have now missed 55 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season, scoring only 36 goals despite xG (expected goals) saying Crystal Palace should have netted 51.
Not only that, but Oliver Glasner also watched Tyrick Mitchell trudge off at Anfield after 45 minutes due to an Achilles problem, which poses a significant issue for Crystal Palace when you consider who Shakhtar Donetsk have starring down that flank.
Why Borna Sosa having to start against Shakhtar Donetsk would be a huge problem for Crystal Palace
Glasner revealed that Mitchell, who continues to be overlooked by England, has been carrying this Achilles problem for a while, and failed to confirm whether the 26-year-old would be fit to start against Shakhtar Donetsk.
The News Shopper quote the Austrian as saying: “He felt his Achilles. It’s not just today, it’s an ongoing issue he has. Our medical department is treating it very well. Today he said that he couldn’t continue. Borna did very well. He hasn’t played for many weeks.”
Since his £2m arrival from Ajax in July, Sosa has failed to impress. The Croatia international often looks slow, well behind the pace of the game and ineffective in his individual duels.
If the Crystal Palace No.24 does have to start against Shakhtar Donetsk – or even Justin Devenny for that matter – the electric Alisson Santana will be salivating.
The Brazilian has given left-backs nightmares so far this season, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists in just 24 appearances for the Ukrainian giants.
It was Alisson who netted twice in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League quarter-final win over AZ Alkmaar, helping Shakhtar Donetsk to a 3-0 win, while also scoring in the second leg to cement a 2-2 draw and a 5-2 victory on aggregate to book a spot in the last four.
Mitchell – who Brentford released – is one of the best defenders in England, and with the England international in the side, Crystal Palace have a fantastic chance of keeping Shakhtar Donetsk’s talisman quiet.
However, if the Crystal Palace No.3 has to sit the first leg of the UEFA Conference League semi-final out, it gives the Ukrainians a real chance to put one foot in the final.
