PREVIEW: Palace search for first ever European home win as they host AZ | OneFootball

Following their fantastic start to life in Europe with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kyiv in match week one, Crystal Palace failed to capitalise on their three points and succumbed to a disappointing 1-0 home loss against AEK Larnaca in their second game, leaving the London side 16th in the table. What was meant to be a special night at Selhurst Park turned into a frustrating one as the Eagles only registered one shot on target and failed to truly impress against a resilient Cypriot side.

However, there is plenty of football still to be played and Palace have another chance to make things right at home as they host Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Palace’s form elsewhere has picked up at the right time; a victory against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup and a comfortable win at home to Brentford have pushed the Eagles back up to ninth in the table and installed confidence again in the side.

Now a first ever home European victory for Palace is the target, the Eagles have been almost impenetrable at home, losing only three games in 2025. AZ by contrast have been lukewarm away from home, with their most recent loss away from home a 4-0 defeat at the hands of AEK Larnaca on the opening matchday of the Conference League. AZ have only won two of their previous 14 away games in Europe yet have won each of their last five matches in all competitions including a comfortable 2-0 victory at home to Ajax. Sitting third in the Eredivisie, AZ will look to continue their great form during what will be a tough away fixture.

Crystal Palace have had poor luck with injuries so far this season and that will continue into this game. Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucouré are both absent with long term knee injuries, Caleb Kporha and Eddie Nketiah are also still out with injuries as Glasner is without the luxuries he will need to sufficiently rotate his squad. Star man Adam Wharton will also be assessed before the teams face each other but he may be rested ahead of the Palace’s derby against Brighton on Sunday.

Daichi Kamada has played in 12 of the sides last 13 games and may start ahead of Wharton again should the Englishman be deemed to unfit for Thursdays match.

AZ are without Seiya Maikuma, Mexx Meerdink and Jordy Clasie as they are all battling long term injuries. Former Tottenham Hotspur man Troy Parrott has scored a team high of 13 goals in only 12 appearances this season, with over half of which coming in the Conference League qualifiers.

Predicted line-ups

CRY: Henderson; Canvot, Guéhi, Lacroix; Muñoz, Hughes, Lerma, Sousa; Sarr, Pino; Mateta