Crystal Palace is close to making history tonight as they host Bosnian champions Zrinjski Mostar at Selhurst Park, aiming for their first European last-16 spot.
The Eagles head into the second leg of the Conference League knockout round play-off after a 1–1 draw in Bosnia-Herzegovina last week. Despite having more possession, they conceded in the second half, leaving the tie even. However, their confidence has grown after a 1–0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, which put them 10 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Zrinjski Mostar arrives in London as underdogs, having performed well in the first leg. Managed by Igor Štimac, they have already made history by reaching this stage but face a tough task at Selhurst Park; they have lost all six of their away matches in the Conference League this season without scoring. With the aggregate score tied, they are focused on achieving a significant victory to continue their European campaign.
Crystal Palace vs Zrinjski Mostar – Match preview and team news
- Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London
- Referee: Luis Godinho (POR)
- VAR: André Narciso (POR)
- Last Meeting: Zrinjski Mostar 1–1 Crystal Palace (19 Feb 2026), Conference League
Team News
Crystal Palace
Manager Oliver Glasner has a late decision to make regarding defender Maxence Lacroix, who trained on Wednesday but is uncertain due to an adductor injury. The Eagles will definitely be without Cheick Doucouré, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jefferson Lerma, and Eddie Nketiah, who is expected to be out until April. Christantus Uche is also ineligible for the competition.
Zrinjski Mostar
The visitors will be without veteran defender Toni Šunjić, who has a long-term knee injury. Top scorer Nemanja Bilbija is also questionable, having been out for the last five games with an unspecified issue. Additionally, Antonio Ilić, Darick Kobie Morris, and Toma Palić are ineligible after not being included in the club’s European squad.
Form
Crystal Palace
The Eagles come off a crucial 1–0 victory over Wolves on Sunday, following their 1–1 draw against Zrinjski. Palace has scored in eight straight matches across all competitions. Though their home record has been shaky, with just one win in their last 10 at Selhurst Park, they have lost only one of their four home European games this season. They enter this match on a two-match unbeaten streak.
Zrinjski Mostar
The Bosnian side has been struggling recently, heading into Thursday without a win in their last three matches. Their last domestic match ended in a 1–1 draw with NK Široki Brijeg, after suffering a 3–0 loss to title rivals Borac Banja Luka. Zrinjski has conceded in three consecutive games and has only one draw from their last 13 away matches. Nevertheless, they remain resilient, having lost just one of their last seven games.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace Predicted XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Johnson, Sarr; Strand Larsen
Zrinjski Mostar Predicted XI: Karacic; Vranjkovic, Barisic, Dujmovic, Savic, Mamic; Ivancic, Durasek; Abramovic, Cuze, Mikic
How to Watch Crystal Palace vs Zrinjski Mostar?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 3, with coverage starting at 19:30 GMT before the 20:00 kick-off.
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