AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Crystal Palace head to the AEK Arena on Thursday night with their European dreams hanging in the balance, needing a breakthrough against an AEK Larnaca side that has proven impossible to crack this season.

The Eagles arrive in Cyprus following a frustrating 0–0 draw. Last week, Oliver Glasner’s men dominated 70% of the possession. However, they completely failed to register a single goal. Notably, Palace have failed to score across both previous meetings. They suffered a 1–0 home defeat back in October. Subsequently, they endured last week’s disappointing first-leg stalemate.

Despite their territorial dominance, Palace’s clinical edge has vanished entirely. Furthermore, they followed the first leg with another goalless draw. This frustrating weekend result came against a 10-man Leeds side. Consequently, they set a highly unwanted Premier League record. They became the first side to attempt zero shots on target against shorthanded opposition.

Meanwhile, AEK Larnaca stand on the precipice of a historic “giant-killing”. Additionally, they eagerly chase a maiden European quarter-final berth. Under new manager Javi Rozada, the Cypriot outfit embraces lethal pragmatism. As a result, they remain one of only two unbeaten teams in this season’s Conference League.

The “Yellow-Greens” boast the meanest defence in the entire competition. Impressively, they have conceded just one goal across seven matches. Significantly, Larnaca remain unbreached for 315 consecutive minutes across all competitions. Therefore, this sets the perfect stage for a classic defensive stand. They fully prepare to frustrate their Premier League visitors once again.

AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news

Team News

AEK Larnaca

Javi Rozada faces a growing injury list as Jorge Miramon (calf) and Valentin Roberge (finger) join the treatment room. Petros Ionannu is expected to deputise at right wing-back in a five-man defence. Notably, Riad Bajic—who scored the winner at Selhurst Park five months ago—is expected to lead the line as the sole striker.

Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner provided a significant update on his squad’s fitness, confirming that Daniel Muñoz is “fine to play” and ready to return. However, the Eagles will be without Dean Henderson, who remains unwell and has stayed in London, meaning Walter Benítez is likely to continue in goal. Notably, Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucouré remain long-term absentees. Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to lead the line, though Jean-Philippe Mateta is pushing for a start after recent substitute appearances.

Form

AEK Larnaca

AEK Larnaca are in exceptionally resilient form, having won two and drawn two of their last four matches while conceding only once in that span. Their European campaign has been defined by slow starts and late discipline; Larnaca’s Conference League proper games this term have produced just one first-half goal. Following a 2–0 domestic win over Ethnikos Achna on Monday, the hosts arrive with maximum confidence.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have struggled for clinical finishing recently, following their dominant but scoreless display against Larnaca with another 0-0 Premier League draw against Leeds United. While the defence has held firm, just two of Palace’s last six games across all competitions have seen both teams score. Notably, the Eagles have been aggressive in creating dead-ball opportunities, taking the joint-second most corners in the Conference League this season (52).

Predicted Lineups

AEK Larnaca Predicted XI (5-4-1): Alomerovic; Ionannu, Milicevic, Saborit, Ekpolo, Garcia; Rohden, Ledes, Pons, Ivanovic; Bajic

Crystal Palace Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Benítez; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Johnson, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Guessand; Strand Larsen

How to Watch AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace?

The match will be televised live in the UK on TNT Sports 3 and discovery+. Coverage begins at 17:00 GMT ahead of the 17:45 kick-off.

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