Crystal Palace vs. Zrinjski Mostar – News and Probable Lineups

Crystal Palace will face Zrinjski Mostar at Selhurst Park for the return leg of their Conference League knockout round playoff on Thursday night.

The team that wins on aggregate in this fixture will progress to meet either the German side Mainz 05 or the Cypriot team AEK Larnaca in the last 16.

Match overview

This season marks Crystal Palace’s first venture into European competition, entering last week’s first leg against Zrinjski as strong favorites. However, they managed only a disappointing 1-1 draw in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

With over 70% possession, the Eagles appeared poised to secure their first-ever European knockout victory when Ismaila Sarr scored just before half-time. However, after a lackluster start to the second half, they were made to pay, as Karlo Abramovic equalized in the 55th minute.

A portion of the Palace away supporters expressed their dissatisfaction with head coach Oliver Glasner during the first leg, with chants of “we want Glasner out” echoing at full time. The Austrian has further irritated fans with his “stay humble” remarks, but it seems unlikely he will depart before the end of the season.

Since mid-December, the Eagles have won only two of their last 16 matches across all competitions (D5 L9). However, one victory was achieved at Selhurst Park last weekend, when they narrowly defeated 10-man Wolves 1-0 in the Premier League.

Positioned 13th in the Premier League standings and 10 points clear of the relegation zone, Palace should now take the Conference League seriously with concerns about a top-flight relegation reduced. Additionally, they have only lost once in four home matches in this season’s competition, providing confidence going into the clash against Zrinjski on Thursday.

Having qualified for the knockout round playoffs thanks to a last-minute own goal in the League Phase, Zrinjski Mostar put up a commendable fight against Palace last week, maintaining a delicate balance in their two-legged tie after a resilient performance on home turf.

Their aspirations of advancing to the last 16 of a major European tournament for the first time in club history are very much alive, though the Nobles head into Thursday’s second leg with a dismal away record in the Conference League, having lost all six of their matches away from home without scoring.

Zrinjski are the current champions of the Bosnian league, but they have recently struggled domestically, winning just two of their last six league games (D2 L2). This followed a 3-0 loss to title competitors and league leaders Borac Banja Luka, alongside a 1-1 draw against NK Siroki Brijeg last weekend.

With his team now six points adrift of the league summit, head coach Igor Stimac needs to rally his players this week as they seek a significant victory over Palace that could rejuvenate their campaign and extend their European journey further.

Team News

Crystal Palace will be missing Cheick Doucoure, Jean-Philippe Mateta (both knee injuries), Eddie Nketiah (thigh injury), and Jefferson Lerma (hamstring) due to injury, while Christantus Uche has been excluded from the club’s Conference League roster.

Maxence Lacroix sustained a groin injury in last week’s first leg and subsequently missed the Premier League victory over Wolves. The Frenchman is currently doubtful, with Chadi Riad, Jaydee Canvot, and Chris Richards vying for a starting role in defense should he fail a late fitness check.

Daichi Kamada could take the place of Will Hughes in central midfield, while Evann Guessand—who netted a last-minute winner against Wolves—Brennan Johnson, and Yeremy Pino will each compete for a starting position in attack, joining Sarr and Jorgen Strand Larsen.

On the Zrinjski Mostar side, Toni Sunjic remains out with a long-standing knee injury, while Antonio Ilic, Darick Kobie Morris, and Toma Palic are all ineligible as they have not been included in the club’s Conference League squad.

Nemanja Bilbija leads the team with 15 goals this season but has been unavailable for the last five matches due to an unspecified issue. Mario Cuze is expected to spearhead the attack against Palace, supported by Leo Mikic and Karlo Abramovic.

Stimac might revert to a back five, likely featuring Hrvoje Barisic, Duje Dujmovic, and Igor Savic as center-backs, with Marko Vranjkovic and Petar Mamic playing as full-backs.

Crystal Palace probable starting XI:

Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Johnson, Sarr; Strand Larsen

Zrinjski Mostar probable starting XI:

G. Karacic; Vranjkovic, Barisic, Dujmovic, Savic, Mamic; Ivancic, Durasek; Abramovic, Cuze, Mikic

Zrinjski Mostar demonstrated in the first leg that they should not be underestimated by Crystal Palace, and another solid defensive display will be necessary from the visitors if they hope to upset the home side on Thursday.

Nevertheless, the Eagles are still seen as strong favorites in this contest, with Glasner anticipated to field a robust lineup capable of outscoring their opponents and securing advancement on aggregate, without extra time or penalties being necessary.