Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Prediction: Sarr to strike for the sixth successive match

Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano meet in Leipzig on Wednesday for the UEFA Conference League final (8pm BST/9pm local, TNT Sports 1). This is confirmed to be Oliver Glasner's last match in charge of the Eagles as he looks to make it two trophies in two years.
Both sides are contesting their first-ever European final, so both sets of players and supporters are going to savour every moment. Read on for my Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano predictions, including the latest team news and match odds.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Betting Tips
- Match Result & Both Teams To Score - Crystal Palace & Yes @ 16/5
- Anytime Goalscorer - Ismaila Sarr @ 13/8
*Odds correct as of the time of publication
Team News
Palace striker Eddie Nketiah remains out of action with a hamstring injury. Chris Richards (ankle) and Borna Sosa (knock) are serious doubts for the final, while Cheick Doucoure (knee) is sidelined.
Adam Wharton had to be withdrawn against Arsenal on Sunday after picking up an ankle issue 15 minutes after coming on at half-time. The midfielder is thought to be OK to be involved on Wednesday, however.
Isi Palazon is available for Rayo Vallecano despite going through a seven-game domestic ban. Winger Carlos Martin was forced off against Deportivo Alaves after 38 minutes on Saturday, jeopardising his plans to feature in the final.
Ilias Akhomach (quad) and Diego Mendez (unspecified) are also doubts for the Spanish side, while Luiz Felipe (muscle) is unavailable.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Predicted Lineups
- Crystal Palace: Henderson; Riad, Lacroix, Canvot; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Pino
- Rayo Vallecano: Batalla; Ratiu, Mendy, Lejeune, Chavarria; Ciss, Valentin; De Frutos, Palazon, Espino; Alemao
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Odds
Palace have won three of their last four European matches in regulation time, and they are 19/20 to do so on Wednesday.
The Eagles have experienced four stalemates (inside 90 minutes) since the start of the league phase, and the draw here is available at 12/5.
Rayo are a 3/1 bet to make it three European victories on the spin, while they are 13/8 to win the tie.
Each of Palace's previous four outings in this competition have gone Over 2.5 Goals, which can be backed at 11/10 on this occasion.
Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano Stats
- Palace have won 7 of their 14 fixtures (in regulation time) since the start of the league phase
- Both teams have scored in 4 of the Eagles' past 5 outings in the Conference League
- Ismaila Sarr is the competition's top scorer with 9 goals
Match Result & Both Teams To Score - Crystal Palace & Yes @ 16/5
This is a momentous occasion for both clubs, who have reached Wednesday's showpiece on merit. I am expecting a competitive tussle in Leipzig but ultimately I believe Palace will emerge victorious.
We've seen English clubs reach all three European finals this term and it does appear as though the gulf, generated by money, between the Premier League and the rest of Europe is getting wider.
Palace have won seven of their 14 matches (inside 90 minutes) in the Conference League this term, including three of their past four. I am confident they get the job done without the need of extra-time or penalties.
I've added Both Teams To Score - Yes to the selection because four of the Eagles' five most recent fixtures in this competition have seen both sides get on the scoresheet.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Anytime Goalscorer - Ismaila Sarr @ 13/8
Palace winger Sarr has already got the Golden Boot for this competition in the bag. He is just one goal away from the nice, round number of 10, and I think he's worth backing to reach that milestone on Wednesday.
The Senegal international has found the net in each of his last five appearances in the Conference League, so he has plenty of momentum behind him. His pace, skill and physicality pose huge problems for Rayo and I don't see them being able to deny him from scoring in his current mood.
Odds correct at time of publishing.
Turbo Boost: Ismaila Sarr 1+ shots on target (extra-time included)
Wednesday: Opt in and build your own Bet Builder (3/1+) of 3+ legs on the Europa Conference League Final and get 100% of your stake back in Free Bets up to £10 if you lose. (Credited within 24 hours)
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