In this preview, Crystal Palace welcomes AEK Larnaca to Selhurst Park this Thursday for a crucial first-leg encounter in the UEFA Conference League Round of 16. The Eagles enter this fixture with renewed confidence following a sensational 3-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, moving them comfortably clear of the Premier League’s bottom three. Under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, the South London side has found a second wind, combining defensive solidity with the clinical pace of Ismaila Sarr.
AEK Larnaca, meanwhile, arrives in London as a persistent underdog with a point to prove. The Cypriot side is currently in the midst of a title race domestically, coming off a convincing 3-0 win against Akritas Chlorakas. Interestingly, Larnaca already stunned the Selhurst Park faithful once this season during the league phase with a 1-0 victory, making this match preview a narrative of revenge for the hosts. For those looking to back either side in this high-stakes European clash, you can find premium markets and odds at Betano.
Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca Preview
Team Recent Form
Crystal Palace: WLWWD
AEK Larnaca: WDLLW
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Key Stats
- Defensive Wall: AEK Larnaca has been incredibly tough to break down in Europe, keeping a clean sheet in five of their last six matches in the Conference League.
- Home Scarcity: Despite their recent domestic resurgence, Crystal Palace has struggled for goals at home in Europe, scoring only two goals in their last three continental fixtures at Selhurst Park.
- The Sarr Factor: Ismaila Sarr has been the spark for Palace, contributing three goals and an assist in his last five appearances across all competitions.
Correct Score Prediction
2-0. While AEK Larnaca has the tactical discipline to frustrate the Eagles, the quality gap between the Premier League and the Cypriot First Division is likely to tell over 90 minutes. Palace is a different beast under Glasner compared to the side that lost to Larnaca in October, and with the momentum of their win over Spurs, they should find the breakthrough. Expect a professional performance where Palace controls possession and secures a two-goal cushion to take to Cyprus. You can find the best odds for a 2-0 scoreline at Betano.
Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca H2H
- Recent Shock: In their only recent meeting during the league phase in October 2025, AEK Larnaca secured a famous 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.
- Clean Sheet King: AEK Larnaca is the only team to have kept a clean sheet against Crystal Palace at home this season in European competition.
- Home Struggles: Crystal Palace is looking for their first-ever victory against Cypriot opposition in a competitive UEFA fixture.
- Low Scoring Trend: The aggregate goals between these two teams in their history currently stands at just 1.0 per game.
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Pre-game Odds
- Crystal Palace Win: 1.25
- Draw: 6.10
- AEK Larnaca Win: 13.00
Check the latest live updates and alternative handicap markets for this match at Betano.
Team News Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner is still navigating a significant injury list. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Edward Nketiah, and Cheick Doucoure remain sidelined, leaving the goalscoring burden on Jørgen Strand Larsen. Daniel Muñoz is also out with a shoulder injury sustained against Tottenham. However, the return of Maxence Lacroix to the defensive line provides a massive boost in physical presence for the hosts.
Team News AEK Larnaca
The visitors are in relatively good health compared to their hosts. Their only major concern is Yerson Chacón, who is a doubt due to a lack of match fitness. Manager Imanol Idiakez is expected to deploy a defensive-heavy formation, relying on the experience of Hrvoje Miličević at the back and the clinical Riad Bajić to lead the line on the counter-attack.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Lacroix, Richards, Chadi Riad; Clyne, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Guessand; Strand Larsen.
AEK Larnaca (4-1-4-1): Alomerovic; Godswill, Milicevic, Roberge, Angel; Ledes; Rubio, Naoum, Miramon, Ivanovic; Bajic.
Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Crystal Palace Win
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both Team to Score: No
For the most competitive odds and live betting markets on the Conference League, visit Betano.
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