Crystal Palace will return to European action on Thursday night as they prepare to take on Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) at Selhurst Park. The Eagles will be aiming to make amends after unexpectedly losing 1-0 at home to AEK Larnaca in Europe last time out.
Meanwhile, AZ were on the right side of a 1-0 victory, beating Slovan Bratislava on home soil. However, being away from home this time around, they will very much feel like underdogs.
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Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar prediction: Palace to pick up the points?
Key stats
- Palace are on a two-game winning streak in all competitions.
- AZ's own winning streak stretches further to five matches in total across all competitions.
- Palace's last four games have produced three or fewer goals.
Correct score prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 AZ Alkmaar
Given AZ's great form heading into this clash, they could cause Palace plenty of problems here. However, we are expecting the Eagles to edge this one on home soil.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Palace big favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
- DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20.0%
- AWAY: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Palace have been installed as the big favourites with bookmakers to take home all three points. A draw is rated at 20%, while a sixth AZ victory in a row can still be backed at just over 15%.
Also, feel free to check out more of Today’s betting tips for our free expert predictions, as well as our Conference League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting between two teams
Thursday will present the first-ever meeting between the two sides in any competition. Palace have been installed as the favourites, perhaps helped by playing in a superior domestic league.
Crystal Palace preview: A few first-team absentees
Among the expected absentees for Palace are Adam Wharton through illness and Eddie Nketiah through injury. Daichi Kamada is also a fitness doubt.
Predicted lineup: Henderson (GK); Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Hughes, Lerma, Sosa; Sarr, Pino & Mateta
Last five results:
- Crystal Palace 2-0 Brentford
- Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace
- Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace 0-1 AEK Larnca
- Crystal Palace 3-3 Bournemouth
AZ Alkmaar preview: Couple of injuries
Both Seiya Maikuma and Mexx Meerdink are injured for this one. Otherwise, AZ have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Predicted lineup: Owusu-Oduro (GK); Kasius, Goes, Penetra, de Wit; Koopmeiners, Mijnans,, Smit; Weslley Patati, Parrott & Jensen
Last five results:
- Sparta Rotterdam 0-1 AZ Alkmaar
- AZ Alkmaar 4-1 Utrecht
- AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Slovan Bratislava
- Ajax 0-2 AZ Alkmaar
- AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Telstar
Player to watch: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Jean-Philippe Mateta put some criticism behind him by opening the scoring for Palace in their 2-0 win at home to Brentford last time out. The French striker can be deadly, and is certainly a player that AZ will have to try and keep quiet.