Crystal Palace travels to the AEK Arena on Thursday night with their hopes for European advancement on the line, seeking to overcome a tough AEK Larnaca team that has been difficult to beat this season.
The Eagles come to Cyprus after a frustrating 0–0 draw. In last week’s match, they held 70% possession but managed no goals. In past meetings, Palace has not scored against Larnaca, including a 1–0 defeat at home in October, and last week’s goalless draw in the first leg.
Despite controlling the game, Palace has struggled with finishing. After the first leg, they drew 0-0 again against Leeds, who played with 10 men. This marked a record for the Premier League, as they became the first team to have no shots on target against a team with fewer players.
On the other hand, AEK Larnaca is on the verge of achieving a remarkable upset and is aiming for their first-ever European quarter-final. Under the management of Javi Rozada, the Cypriot team is known for its effective and defensive style. They are one of only two teams still unbeaten in this season’s Conference League.
The “Yellow-Greens” have the strongest defense in the competition, having conceded just one goal in seven matches. They haven’t allowed a goal for 315 minutes across all competitions, creating an environment for another solid defensive performance against their Premier League rivals.
AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026
- Kick-off: 17:45 GMT
- Venue: AEK Arena – George Karapatakis, Larnaca
- Referee: Aliyar Aghayev
- VAR: Jeroen Manschot
- Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 0–0 AEK Larnaca (12 March 2026, UCL)
Team News
AEK Larnaca
Javi Rozada is dealing with an increasing number of injuries; Jorge Miramon (calf) and Valentin Roberge (finger) are sidelined. Petros Ionannu is set to play at right wing-back in a five-man defense. Riad Bajic, who scored the winning goal at Selhurst Park five months ago, is expected to be the main striker.
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner provided updates on his squad, indicating that Daniel Muñoz is fit to play once again. However, they will miss Dean Henderson due to illness, so Walter Benítez will likely stay in goal. Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucouré remain out long-term. Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to lead the attack, while Jean-Philippe Mateta is pushing for a starting spot after appearing as a substitute recently.
Form
AEK Larnaca
AEK Larnaca is in strong form, having won two and drawn two of their last four matches, conceding only once. Their European journey has been marked by slow beginnings but solid finishes, with only one first-half goal during this season’s Conference League. Coming off a 2–0 win against Ethnikos Achna, they are entering this match full of confidence.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace has struggled with scoring recently, following a dominant yet goalless outing against Larnaca with another 0-0 draw against Leeds. Although their defense is solid, only two of Palace’s last six matches have seen goals from both sides. They have been active in creating set-piece opportunities, ranking second in corners in the Conference League this season with 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 shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 3 and discovery+. Coverage starts at 17:00 GMT, ahead of the 17:45 kick-off.
Read more- How seven Premier League teams could qualify for next season’s Champions League
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