Crystal Palace predicted XI vs AEK Larnaca: Eagles chase history in Cyprus showdown | OneFootball

Crystal Palace travel to Cyprus for the second leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 tie, keen to book a place in a first-ever European quarter-final.

The Eagles were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Selhurst Park last week and now face a decisive second leg against AEK Larnaca at the AEK Arena.

With their Premier League status all but secure, Palace’s season now hinges on finding a clinical edge when it matters most.

Match preview

Palace have been here before in this tie – dominant, but ultimately blunt.

They controlled the first leg with over 70 percent possession and created several big chances, yet failed to score.

Palace’s lack of cutting edge resurfaced at the weekend, as they drew 0-0 with 10-man Leeds United without registering a single shot on target.

Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has urged balance in Cyprus. Larnaca thrive on patience, defensive discipline and set-pieces, and will punish over-commitment.

The Austrian, who lifted the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, is determined to bow out on a high at Palace.

But to keep that dream alive, his side must find their shooting boots.

Match stats

Palace have won four of their nine Europa Conference League matches this season (D3, L2).

The Eagles are unbeaten in three European away games (W2, D1), with their only loss on the road coming against Strasbourg.

However, they have now failed to score in back-to-back matches in all competitions.

Larnaca remain unbeaten in the Europa Conference League this season (W3, D4) and boast the best defensive record in the competition.

They have kept six clean sheets and conceded just once in Europe this term.

Crystal Palace team news

Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure remain sidelined through injury.

Dean Henderson, 29, has not travelled after illness, meaning Walter Benitez is set to continue in goal.

Daniel Munoz, who has been lauded for his ‘outstanding training mentality‘, is fit but may not be risked from the start.

Brennan Johnson is likely to continue as a makeshift right wing-back.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is pushing for a recall but has yet to score in Europe this season.

Jorgen Strand Larsen is in pole position to lead the line after a promising start to life at the club.

Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-2-1)

Walter Benitez; Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Jaydee Canvot; Brennan Johnson, Adam Wharton, Kamada, Tyrick Mitchell; Ismailla Sarr, Yeremy Pino, Jorgen Strand Larsen.