The Eagles face an all important second leg at Selhurst Park in the Conference League with nothing less than progression into the round of 16 acceptable.
The late win against Wolves on Sunday was not pleasing on the eye but it was a victory after a very well worked goal which the group of players can take a lot of credit for.
While Palace struggled to break down bottom of the table Wolves, similar was said against the Bosnian champions last Thursday, and is an all common theme this season particularly in the Conference League.
It does seem to be a chink in the armour for Oliver Glasner, and the current atmosphere around the club is quite apathetic with a lot of unsold tickets for this significant fixture, the 40th of what is a very long season.
A win and progression into the last 16 is expected and that is not to take anything away from the opponents – Crystal Palace should be winning this game at home after coming back with a draw from the away fixture.
Glasner continues to contend with defensive limitations with Jefferson Lerma remaining out, and Maxence Lacroix a significant doubt, while American defender Chris Richards suffered a head injury at the weekend but is expected to play.
The continued reliance on Ismaila Sarr shows just how much he was missed while he was crowned an AFCON winner at the beginning of the year. His pace and trickery will prove vital in this second leg after he netted in the away fixture and the hope is that the likes of Evann Guessand, Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Yeremy Pino can all find a way to support him.
It is easy to start looking beyond this fixture, but we often know how that works out, so all eyes will be on this hugely key fixture. It is hard to comprehend the fall out should the Eagles fail to get themselves into the next stage of the competition, but hopefully that is something we do not have to think about.
UEFA Europa Conference League Play Off 2nd Leg
Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Kick‑off: 20:00 UK
Venue: Selhurst Park
⭐ Overview of the Tie
The first leg in Bosnia finished 1–1, with Ismaïla Sarr giving Palace the lead before Karlo Abramović equalised early in the second half. Palace dominated possession but failed to take control of the tie, leaving everything riding on the return fixture in South London.
Zrinjski arrive with a dreadful away record in the Conference League, having lost all six away games without scoring. Palace, meanwhile, have been stronger at home in Europe, losing just one of their four matches this season.
🔍 Current Form & Context
Crystal Palace
- Have won only 2 of their last 16 matches in all competitions, though one came last weekend: a 1–0 win over Wolves at Selhurst Park.
- Fans voiced frustration in Bosnia with chants of “We want Glasner out”, adding pressure on manager Oliver Glasner heading into the decisive leg.
- However, their European home form remains solid, and controlling 70% possession in the first leg shows their capability.
- Injuries remain an issue: Jefferson Lerma, Eddie Nketiah, Cheick Doucouré ruled out; Maxence Lacroix a major doubt.
Zrinjski Mostar
- Reigning Bosnian champions but recently inconsistent, with just two wins from their last six league matches.
- Their Conference League away form is historically poor (six straight away losses, none scored).
- Come in after a 1–1 domestic draw last weekend.
🧠 Tactical Notes
Palace Approach
Expect Palace to press high, dominate the ball, and rely on wide threats such as Ismaïla Sarr, who has been one of the stand-out attackers in Europe for the club. With striker injuries, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Yeremy Pino are likely to be key in the final third.
Their defensive structure has generally held up well in Europe, conceding just 0.8 goals per game in the competition.
Zrinjski Approach
Zrinjski will attempt to stay compact, slow the tempo, and look for counter-attacking opportunities. Their improved home form doesn’t travel with them, and their away impotence may force them into a conservative approach at Selhurst Park.
👥 Expected Lineups
Crystal Palace (Probable XI)
Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Riad; Muñoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Sarr; Strand Larsen
(Reflecting injuries/squad status)
Zrinjski Mostar (Probable XI)
Karačić; Mamić, Memija, Dujmović, Ivankić; Savić, Nalić; Lagumđžija, Jurić, Šakota, Mikic
(Based on their most recent fixture)
🔢 Key Stats
-
Crystal Palace:
- Scored in all but 1 of their 7 Conference League matches.
- Just 1 defeat in last five matches.
-
Zrinjski Mostar:
- Lost all 3 Conference League away matches this season (8 conceded, 0 scored).
- Winless in last three competitive games.
📊 Predictions from Analysts
- Sports Mole: Palace’s home form and Zrinjski’s away woes make them strong favourites to progress.
- Sportskeeda: Predicts a Palace win; Zrinjski’s travel record is a major concern.
- BetMines: Highlights Palace’s strong first‑half performances in Europe—have led at half-time in their last five UECL matches.
🏁 Final Verdict
Palace come into this second leg as heavy favourites, despite their rocky domestic form and fan unrest. Their superior squad quality, European home strength, and Zrinjski’s historically poor away record suggest this is Palace’s tie to lose.
A controlled, patient performance should see the Eagles into the Round of 16, potentially setting up a meeting with Mainz 05 or AEK Larnaca.
Officials
- Referee: Luis Godinho (POR)
- Assistants: Pedro Almeida (POR), Rui Teixeira (POR)
- Fourth official: Fabio Verissimo (POR)
- VAR: Andre Narciso (POR)
- Assistant VAR: Bruno Esteves (POR)
