Preview: Crystal Palace vs Rayo Vallecano

Palace vs. Rayo: Europe's Great Unwanted.

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the glamour of the Conference League! Tonight, we have a clash that promises... well, a football match, at least. Crystal Palace, languishing a truly inspiring 15th in the Premier League with 45 points, host Rayo Vallecano, who finished a respectable-ish 8th in La Liga on 50 points. The common thread? A magnificent "form: None" for both. Thrilling.

Palace arrive having seemingly forgotten what winning feels like, or indeed, what coherent football looks like for more than about twenty minutes. Their season has been a masterclass in inconsistency, punctuated by flashes of individual brilliance that only serve to highlight the collective malaise. Are they even aware they’re playing in Europe? Will they confuse the Conference League with a pre-season friendly they’re legally obliged to participate in? It wouldn't surprise anyone.

Rayo, on the other hand, are the plucky Spanish underdogs who probably just booked this trip for the sightseeing. 8th in La Liga isn't exactly Champions League material, but it's not relegation either. They'll bring a certain Spanish flair, which in this context, probably means a lot of passing sideways before losing possession in midfield. Their "form: None" suggests they're perfectly content with being comfortably mid-table and not bothering anyone.

Expect a cagey affair. Two teams who seemingly have no idea how to win consistently facing off in a competition that few truly desire to be in. Will Palace's home advantage count for anything beyond a slightly less arduous commute? Will Rayo be inspired by the novelty of a trip to Croydon? Don't hold your breath for a classic. This is less a battle for European glory and more a shared experience of mutual mediocrity. It could be TERRIBLE.

Palace to finally remember how to score, barely.

Crystal Palace 1 - 0 Rayo Vallecano