The busy schedule after the international break continues as it is a return to European action with the visit of Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.
It was quite a wait for the players and management team to return to domestic action following the first defeat in 19 games up on Merseyside, and while there seemed to be a hangover throughout the first half, the second half was a completely different story.
It was certainly an entertaining afternoon at Selhurst Park, as the Eagles fought back from two goals down to almost nick all three points at the death.
That afternoon, Oliver Glasner opted just the one change with Eddie Nketiah replacing Yeremy Pino. There are suggestions that approach will take its toll, but we know that this is the way the Austrian manages. A serious attempt in every competition the club takes part in has certainly reaped the benefits with two trophies in 2025, and who are we to question that?
Palace take part in four competitions this season, and after a good start in the Premier League and the League Cup, it is just as important to retain that good form in the Conference League.
The Cypriot side head to South London off the back of a big result in the opening game in the league phase – a home win against Dutch side AZ Almaar who were reduced to ten men very early on. Take nothing away from that result though, it was a big win to kick off their European campaign, but their domestic season is one of struggle as they sit fifth in the table after seven games.
Larnaca were only formed in 1994 and in that time they have won the title in Cyprus on six occasions (last title win in 2023/24), and the Cypriot Cup three times (current holders).
This is the first time since the 2022/23 season that Larnaca have made it out of the qualifying stages of a European competition – they were drawn in a Europa League group with Dynamo Kyiv, Rennes, and Fenerbahçe where they finished third.
So far this season, they have had to navigate four Europa League qualifying rounds – home and away to Partizan, Celje, and Legia Warsaw before losing out to Brann which sees them drop down to the Conference League.
That journey so far makes their opening result all the more impressive against a side with pedigree in Europe, they lost in the semi-finals to West Ham United who incidentally also beat Larnaca along the way to the trophy win.
Under the lights at Selhurst Park is always a special occasion, and the fans will be up for it especially with what promises to be another fantastic tifo from the Fanatics before kick off.
At the time of writing, there is not expected to be any injury concerns heading into the fixture, with Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure working their way back to full fitness. It will be interesting to see if Glasner opts to make some changes.
The news heading into the game with Bournemouth at the weekend that Marc Guehi will be looking for a new challenge once his contract expires was not great preparation, but it was expected by the majority of Palace even if the media made a big deal out of it. Whether Palace could be tempted to part ways with the England international in January remains to be seen but in the meantime, we get to enjoy an excellent defender who may well captain his country one day.
🦅 Crystal Palace – Form & Key Players
- Recent Form: Palace have been solid in Europe, winning 2 and drawing 1 in their first 3 Conference League matches, with no goals conceded.
- Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W3 D1 L1
- Notable wins: Dynamo Kyiv (2-0), Liverpool (2-1), West Ham (2-1)
- Draw: Bournemouth (3-3)
- Top Scorer: Jean-Philippe Mateta (5 goals)
- Top Creator: Daniel Munoz (2 assists)
- Manager: Oliver Glasner is implementing a high-tempo 3-4-2-1 system, focusing on counter-pressing and dynamic transitions.
🟡 AEK Larnaca – Form & Key Players
- Recent Form: AEK have won 4 of their last 5 matches, including a dominant 4-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in their Conference League opener.
- Last 5 Matches (All Competitions): W4 L1
- Top Scorer: Hrvoje Miličević (4 goals – surprisingly from defence)
- Top Creator: Jeremie Gnali (3 assists)
- Manager: Joseba Idiakez prefers a patient possession-based 4-2-3-1 setup.
📊 Head-to-Head & Standings
- First-ever meeting between the two clubs.
- Both teams are tied on 3 points in Group Stage, but AEK are ahead on goal difference (AEK +4, Palace +2).
🔍 Tactical Preview
- Expect Palace to press aggressively, especially at home, with Mateta and Yéremy Pino leading the attack.
- AEK will likely try to control possession and exploit set pieces and wide areas.
- Palace’s defence has been solid in Europe, but they’ve conceded in recent domestic games.
🔮 Prediction
- Scoreline: Crystal Palace 2–1 AEK Larnaca
- Betting Tips:
- Palace win (high confidence)
- Over 2.5 goals
- Both teams to score
