Crystal Palace vs. Larnaca – News and Probable Lineups

Crystal Palace will be seeking retribution when they take on AEK Larnaca in the initial leg of their Conference League last-16 matchup on Thursday evening.

Nearly five months ago, the Eagles faced a narrow 1-0 defeat during the League Phase against the Cypriot side in what marked their first game in a major European competition at Selhurst Park.

Match overview

Despite finishing in 10th position out of 36 teams in the League Phase, with only three wins from six matches (W3 D1 L2), Crystal Palace continues to be favored by betting outlets to triumph in the Conference League.

Following that, the Eagles moved into the knockout round playoffs, where after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg, they secured a 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park two weeks ago, with goals from Maxence Lacroix and Evann Guessand, thus advancing 3-1 on aggregate to the last 16.

Since then, Palace has had a mixed record in the Premier League away from home, suffering a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United, but bouncing back with a crucial 3-1 win over Tottenham four days later, helping them pull 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

Head coach Oliver Glasner has announced he will depart at the end of the season, and the Austrian, who led Eintracht Frankfurt to a Europa League title in 2021-22, aims to conclude his tenure on a high note as his Palace squad hopes to emulate Chelsea, the reigning Conference League champions, by clinching this season’s trophy.

Palace’s strong home form in Europe is promising ahead of Thursday’s fixture (W3 D1 L1), although their lone defeat came against Larnaca, a side Glasner describes as a “compact and experienced team” that plays “very similarly” to Zrinjski.

Larnaca is making their second appearance in the last 16 of the Conference League in four years and will be eager to avoid a repeat of their exit against English teams, having been eliminated 6-0 on aggregate by eventual champions West Ham in the 2022-23 season.

The Yellow-Greens remain one of only three unbeaten teams in this season’s Conference League, alongside Strasbourg and Rakow Czestochowa, having secured eight place by winning three and drawing three of their six League Phase encounters, finishing just one point above Lausanne.

Imanol Idiakez’s unit boasts the best defensive statistics in the Conference League, with five clean sheets and only one goal conceded, which came from a 94th-minute equalizer in a 1-1 away draw against BK Haken on matchday five.

Heading into the clash with Palace, Larnaca has achieved seven wins, one draw, and four losses in their last 12 domestic games over the past three months. Although three of those losses occurred away, they recently triumphed 3-0 at home against Akritas Chlorakas last weekend, maintaining their third position in the Cypriot First Division, just eight points shy of the top.

Team News

Crystal Palace will miss Daniel Munoz due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Premier League victory against Tottenham, while Jean-Philippe Mateta, Cheick Doucoure (both knee) and Eddie Nketiah (thigh) are also unavailable.

Nathaniel Clyne is expected to step in for Munoz in the right wing-back position, with Maxence Lacroix available to return at center-back following a domestic suspension. Chris Richards and Chadi Riad may also be included in the back three.

Ismaila Sarr netted his 12th and 13th goals of the campaign in the win over Tottenham, and he is predicted to collaborate with Jorgen Strand Larsen and one of Guessand, Brennan Johnson, or Yeremy Pino in the forward line, with Guessand likely getting the start this time.

For Larnaca, Yahav Gurfinkel (hip), Youssef Amyn (hamstring), Giorgos Naoum (muscle), and Jimmy Suarez (groin) will miss out due to injuries.

Right-back Elohor Godswill Ekpolo and center-back Hrvoje Milicevic are both on the brink of suspension due to yellow cards, but they are anticipated to still feature in a back five alongside Enric Saborit, Valentin Roberge, and Angel Garcia.

Riad Bajic was the sole scorer in the previous encounter between these two teams in October, and the striker, who has netted 10 times this season, will again lead the line for Larnaca, supported by Djordje Ivanovic and Jorge Miramon on the flanks.

Crystal Palace probable starting XI:

Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Clyne, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Guessand; Strand Larsen

AEK Larnaca probable starting XI:

Alomerovic, Ekpolo, Milicevic, Saborit, Roberge, Garcia; Pons, Ledes; Miramon, Bajic, Ivanovic

Another closely contested match could be anticipated here, with Larnaca holding a slight psychological advantage after their victory at Selhurst Park earlier in the season, alongside their unbeaten record in the Conference League.

Nevertheless, with three wins out of four, Glasner’s players have gained a crucial boost, and we expect the home side to rectify the mistakes from their last encounter with Larnaca and secure a vital first-leg advantage.