Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca Preview

• Palace vyhrát
• Více než 2,5 gólu

One of the biggest winners on matchday one, AEK Larnaca, face a major test of their UEFA Conference League credentials as they travel to Selhurst Park to take on the tournament favourites, Crystal Palace. The Eagles are making their first-ever home appearance in the main draw of a European competition and will be eager to mark the occasion with a statement win in front of their supporters.

Crystal Palace showed fighting spirit at the weekend by twice coming from behind to earn a 3-3 draw with Bournemouth in the Premier League. While the result extended their unbeaten streak to three matches in all competitions, it also means Oliver Glasner’s men are winless in their last two outings since opening their Conference League campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv.

This will be a landmark evening for Palace, as it marks their maiden home fixture in the group or league phase of European competition. The Eagles’ impressive home record under Glasner bodes well — they have not lost at Selhurst Park since February (W8, D5) — though it’s worth noting that four of their last five home matches have been level after 90 minutes, hinting that this might be tighter than expected.

Visitors AEK Larnaca produced one of the biggest surprises of matchday one, thrashing AZ Alkmaar 4-0 in Cyprus. That victory catapulted them into second place in the group and gave their campaign an early boost. However, maintaining that standard on the road will be a much tougher challenge. Larnaca have never advanced beyond the group stage of a European competition, and their away form remains a concern — they are winless on their travels in Europe this season (D1, L3).

The Cypriot side will be motivated by history, though. Of the nine teams that won exactly two league-phase matches in last season’s Conference League, seven went on to qualify for the knockout rounds. A result here could put them on the brink of doing the same, but facing one of the tournament favourites on English soil is likely to be their sternest test yet.

Historie Head-to-Head

This fixture marks the first-ever meeting between Crystal Palace and AEK Larnaca, as well as Palace’s first encounter with Cypriot opposition in European competition.

Larnaca do, however, have recent experience facing English clubs. They met West Ham in last season’s Conference League and suffered heavy defeats both home and away — losing 2-0 in Cyprus and 4-0 in London. Given Palace’s similar quality and style under Glasner, those results serve as a warning of what the visitors could face once again.

Horké statistiky a série

• Crystal Palace have scored two or more goals in four of their last five matches.
• The Eagles have kept just one clean sheet in their last five outings at Selhurst Park.
• Larnaca have scored at least twice in each of their last five matches.
• Larnaca have conceded within the opening 30 minutes in each of their last three European away games.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Za Crystal Palace, Yéremy Pino will once again be the player to watch. The Spanish winger provided both assists in the victory over Dynamo Kyiv and remains an important creative outlet for Glasner’s team.

Though he’s yet to score for the Eagles, 11 of his last 12 club goals have come before the hour mark — an indicator that Palace could strike early through his influence.

For AEK Larnaca, Đorđe Ivanović is their in-form man. The Serbian forward found the net against AZ Alkmaar and has now scored in three successive matches, with four of his five goals this season coming after half-time.

His clinical finishing could give Palace problems if the hosts fail to maintain their defensive discipline late in the game.

Team news is largely positive for Palace, who boast a clean bill of health. Larnaca, on the other hand, continue to be without key forward Enzo Cabrera, a significant loss given his importance to their attacking setup.

Taktický přehled

Oliver Glasner is expected to maintain his usual 3-4-2-1 system, which has brought balance and control to Palace’s play. The combination of attacking wing-backs and Pino’s creativity between the lines should ensure plenty of width and tempo. Expect Palace to press high and dominate possession, with Jean-Philippe Mateta likely leading the line and looking to continue his recent scoring form.

Larnaca are likely to adopt a more conservative approach, sitting deep in a compact 4-2-3-1 formation and looking to hit Palace on the break. Ivanović will carry the bulk of their attacking responsibility, supported by quick transitions through the wide areas. However, their defensive shape will need to be flawless to contain Palace’s movement and pace.

Analýza sázek

With Crystal Palace entering as heavy favourites, the value may lie in the handicap markets. The Eagles’ strong home form and attacking efficiency suggest a comfortable win could be on the cards, particularly against a Larnaca side that tends to struggle on the road in Europe.

Backing Palace with a -1 handicap looks like a solid option, as does predicting over 2.5 total goals given both teams’ recent scoring trends. Palace’s attacking depth should eventually wear down their opponents, and a two-goal margin of victory seems realistic.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 3–1 AEK Larnaca

Crystal Palace are expected to mark their first home European fixture in style. Larnaca may threaten in moments, but the Premier League side’s superior quality, home support, and attacking depth should secure a comfortable victory and strengthen their position at the top of the group.

Další informace o této hře naleznete na:
Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca | UEFA Conference League 2025/26