Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar

• Draw
• Oba týmy skórují

Crystal Palace continue their UEFA Conference League campaign with a vital clash against in-form Dutch side AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are still chasing their first-ev er European home victory, but Oliver Glasner’s men face a serious test against an AZ side riding a strong winning streak.

After enduring a brief slump following the end of their club-record 19-game unbeaten run, Crystal Palace have bounced back impressively. Convincing victories over Liverpool (3-0) and Brentford (2-0) have restored confidence and momentum, with those performances demonstrating the blend of defensive solidity and attacking fluidity Glasner has tried to instil.

Returning to Selhurst Park, Palace will be eager to maintain their home dominance — they’ve lost just once in any competition since February (W9, D5). However, that single defeat came in this very competition on matchday two, when AEK Larnaca stunned them 1-0. It’s a reminder that continental competition brings different challenges, especially against sides more seasoned in European football.

For their part, AZ Alkmaar arrive in south London in excellent form. After a disastrous 4-0 defeat to Larnaca on matchday one, they’ve recovered in style, stringing together five consecutive wins across all competitions, including a statement 2-0 victory over Ajax in the Eredivisie. That result has propelled them into title contention domestically and reaffirmed their attacking prowess, with the Dutch outfit scoring 14 goals in those five victories.

Still, AZ’s European record on the road remains a concern. They’ve won just two of their last 14 away matches in UEFA competition (D3, L9) — an issue that often stems from defensive lapses and an inability to control games away from the AFAS Stadion. Manager Maarten Martens will know that to extend their fine run, his side must marry their attacking flair with greater tactical discipline.

Historie Head-to-Head

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Crystal Palace and AZ Alkmaar. It also marks Palace’s maiden clash against a Dutch club.

AZ, meanwhile, have historically struggled against English sides, winning just three of their previous 21 encounters (D5, L13). Given that record and their struggles on English soil, Selhurst Park may not be their ideal hunting ground.

Horké statistiky a série

• Palace are looking to keep back-to-back home clean sheets for the first time since May 2024.
• None of Palace’s last four matches have seen both teams score.
• Five of AZ’s last 11 games have featured a red card.
• AZ have conceded three unanswered goals after half-time in this season’s Conference League.

Key Players to Watch and Missing Players

Za Crystal Palace, Jean-Philippe Mateta remains the key man in front of goal. The French striker has scored five of his last seven goals at Selhurst Park, highlighting his comfort in home surroundings.

His physicality and work rate make him a constant nuisance for defenders, and with Glasner likely to rely on quick transitions, Mateta’s movement in and around the box will be pivotal.

AZ’s main attacking threat could come from Troy Parrott, who shone during the qualifying stages of the competition with eight goal involvements in five games (G7, A1).

The Irish forward hasn’t quite replicated that form in the group stage yet, but his pace and directness could cause problems for Palace’s backline, especially if the visitors hit on the counter.

On the team news front, Eddie Nketiah remains unavailable for Palace, while midfield pair Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada are doubtful. AZ have no fresh injury concerns, allowing Martens to field his strongest possible lineup.

Taktický přehled

Oliver Glasner has settled into a consistent 3-4-2-1 system, designed to maximise Palace’s width and compact defensive shape. Expect the Eagles to build cautiously, using full-backs or wing-backs to stretch AZ’s back line. The emphasis will likely be on control rather than chaos, particularly given the stakes of securing a first European home victory.

AZ, meanwhile, prefer an attacking 4-3-3 setup that encourages fluid movement between the lines. They’ll likely look to dominate possession and pin Palace back, but their defensive vulnerability — especially after the interval — remains a potential weakness. If Palace can stay compact and frustrate the visitors early, they may find opportunities to exploit on the break later in the game.

Analýza sázek

Given Palace’s tendency to keep things tight and their cautious approach in Europe so far, this fixture has all the makings of a low-scoring contest. The Eagles’ last four matches have all gone under 2.5 goals, and with AZ likely to be wary of overcommitting, backing under 2.5 total goals looks a sensible option.

Alternatively, Crystal Palace or Draw (Double Chance) could appeal for those expecting the hosts’ strong home form to continue, even if victory isn’t guaranteed.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1–1 AZ Alkmaar

Palace’s defensive strength at Selhurst Park should ensure they avoid another European home defeat, but AZ’s form and attacking quality make them dangerous. Expect a tense, tactical battle that ends with honours even and keeps both sides in contention to progress from the group.

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