The Eagles return to European action this midweek in an attempt to make amends for the disappointing Conference League loss at Selhurst last time out at the hands of AEK Larnaca.
Palace host AZ Alkmaar who themselves lost to the Cypriots in their opening league stage game, which makes this third matchday fixture important for both sides.
Oliver Glasner will be hoping for an improved performance against a team who are in good domestic form at the moment, and one that will not sit behind the ball with a low block which may well prove to be a better match up for the hosts.
European fever has certainly gripped the Palace fans having just sold out their allocation for the game in Strasbourg, having taken a large following to Poland in matchday one against Kyiv.
Having seen off Brentford at home in the Premier League at the weekend, Palace head into this fixture in good form and it will be needed against the Dutchmen who currently sit third in the Eredivisie in the Netherlands, behind Feyenoord and PSV.
Other than the three lengthy injury absentees, there will be doubts over Eddie Nketiah who tweaked a hamstring at Anfield last week, while Adam Wharton is expected to return after illness.
Against Larnaca, Glasner made some changes particularly in the midfield, but it is likely that the Austrian will revert back to his strongest eleven having learned a lesson.
Much has been made of the busy fixture list that Palace are facing at the moment, and even the international break will not help with several players heading off which their respective countries.
After this Conference League fixtures, Palace host rivals Brighton on Sunday. On return from the international break, the Eagles face 11 games before the end of the year which includes the culmination of the league phase of the Conference League. Here’s hoping that the latter will see European fixtures added to the 2026 calendar in February.
🦅 Crystal Palace Overview
- Manager: Oliver Glasner
- Recent Form: Mixed – wins over Brentford (2-0) and Liverpool (3-0), but losses to Arsenal and AEK Larnaca.
- Key Players:
- Jean-Philippe Mateta – 7 goals this season, Palace’s main goal threat.
- Ismaïla Sarr – creative spark in attack.
- Chris Richards – recently returned to strengthen the defence.
- Injuries:
- Chadi Riad (knee), Caleb Kporha (back), Cheick Doucouré (knee surgery).
- Tactics: Palace have shown resilience and attacking flair but remain inconsistent. Their home form is shaky, with a recent loss to AEK Larnaca.
🇳🇱 AZ Alkmaar Overview
- Manager: Maarten Martens
- Recent Form: Strong – wins over Utrecht (4-1), Ajax (2-0), and Slovan Bratislava (1-0).
- Key Players:
- Troy Parrott, Mexx Meerdink – attacking threats.
- Jordy Clasie – midfield anchor, though dealing with knee issues.
- Injuries:
- Sven Mijnans, Maikuma, Zeefuik, Clasie, Parrott – various knocks and fitness concerns.
- Tactics: AZ play with pace and precision, especially in transitions. Their recent form suggests they’re capable of exploiting defensive lapses.
📊 Head-to-Head & Stats
- Both teams have 3 points from 2 games in the group stage.
- Goal Difference: Palace (+1), AZ (-3).
- Expected Lineups:
- Palace: Henderson, Guehi, Richards, Mitchell, Muñoz, Kamada, Lerma, Pino, Sarr, Mateta.
- AZ: Owusu-Oduro, Penetra, Goes, De Wit, Kasius, Mijnans, Smit, Koopmeiners, Jensen, Parrott, Patati.
🔮 Prediction & Betting Tips
- Odds: Palace win – 1.48, Draw – 3.5, AZ win – 6.9.
- Most likely score: 2–0 to Crystal Palace.
- Betting Tips:
- Under 2.5 goals – both teams have low-scoring recent matches.
- Double Chance X2 – AZ have avoided defeat in 5 of their last 5 games.
- Both teams to score – likely given attacking threats on both sides.
⚔️ Final Thoughts
This is a crucial third group stage match. Palace will look to bounce back at home, while AZ aim to continue their strong form. Expect a tactical battle with moments of individual brilliance likely to decide the outcome.
