Crystal Palace may be the favourites for the Conference League, but they've got a proper challenge on their hands with Strasbourg and their English gaffer, Liam Rosenior. The Eagles are flying high in their first ever European campaign, but they shouldn't get too cocky just yet.
Strasbourg: The Dark Horse
European football expert Andy Brassell has singled out Strasbourg as the team most likely to rain on Palace's parade. He reckons they're not your typical Conference League outfit, and if they were in the Europa League, they'd be a force to be reckoned with there too. In other words, Palace better watch their backs.
Money Talks
Strasbourg have been splashing the cash lately, thanks to their links with Chelsea. They've got some extra financial muscle, which is a rarity in French football these days. They may have lost a few key players in the summer, but they've also brought in 18 new faces. With that kind of investment, they're not messing around.
Rosenior's Revolution
Liam Rosenior has been a revelation since taking over as Strasbourg boss. He's not just a pretty face for the cameras; he's a top-notch coach who knows how to develop players. Just look at what he's done with Diego Moreira, who's gone from looking out of his depth at Lyon to being one of the best wing-backs in Ligue 1. Rosenior's man-management skills are second to none, and he's got Strasbourg playing some seriously impressive stuff.
The Beautiful Game
So, while Palace may be the bookies' favourites, they can't afford to rest on their laurels. Strasbourg are a serious threat, and with Rosenior at the helm, they've got the potential to go all the way. The Conference League may not have been designed with English clubs in mind, but that doesn't mean they can take it for granted. The beautiful game is full of surprises, and this could be one of them.
