Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal as Crystal Palace edged out a narrow win over Fredrikstad in the first leg of their Conference League play-off. The Eagles struggled for attacking impetus on the night after Eberechi Eze was left out of the squad ahead of making a move to Arsenal.

THEY were demoted before they had kicked a ball and robbed of their star player on the morning of the match. Yet Crystal Palace’s maiden European adventure still began with a victory at a rocking,

Our soccer expert offers his Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad predictions and betting tips, ahead of Thursday's Conference League clash, at 3pm ET (08/21).

Eberechi Eze has not been named in the Crystal Palace squad to face Fredrikstad as he closes in on his move to Arsenal. He will have a chance to say his goodbyes at Selhurst Park, though, as he watches from the stands. His medical at Arsenal is booked for Friday.

Glasner, speaking on Channel 5 ahead of the first leg at Selhurst Park, admitted that he expected Eberechi Eze to start for Palace against Fredrikstad. However, the manager revealed that Eze called him and told him he did not feel well enough to play in the match.

As Crystal Palace prepare for their Conference League play-off first leg against Fredrikstad on Thursday night, their captain Marc Guehi has been at the epicentre of intense transfer speculation. As per BBC Sport correspondent Sami Mokbel,

Crystal Palace tonight begin their Conference League campaign with the first leg of a group stage qualification play-off at home against Fredrikstad.Manager Oliver Glasner will aim to build on a respectable draw achieved away to Chelsea in the opening Premier League fixture,