AEK Larnaca vs. Crystal Palace: Match Preview

Crystal Palace faces a pivotal encounter at the AEK Arena on Thursday, as they strive to keep their hopes of European progress alive against AEK Larnaca, a team that has been tough to breach this season.

Recent Form

The Eagles travel to Cyprus following a disappointing 0–0 draw. Despite holding 70% possession in that match, they failed to convert their chances, marking their second consecutive outing without a goal. In their past meetings with Larnaca, Palace has struggled to find the net; they lost 1–0 at home last October before the latest stalemate.

AEK Larnaca’s Impressive Record

In contrast, AEK Larnaca is in a strong position, aspiring for a historic upset as they seek their first quarter-final spot in European competition. Guided by new manager Javi Rozada, Larnaca has adopted a pragmatic style and remains one of only two unbeaten teams in the season’s Conference League.

Notably, Larnaca boasts the tournament’s toughest defense, having conceded just once in seven matches. They have gone 315 minutes without leaking a goal across competitions, setting the stage for another solid defensive performance against their Premier League opponents.

Match Details

AEK Larnaca vs. Crystal Palace

• 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

Manager Javi Rozada is dealing with several injury issues, as Jorge Miramon (calf) and Valentin Roberge (finger) are sidelined. Petros Ionannu is set to fill in at right wing-back in a five-man defense. Riad Bajic, who scored the decisive goal during their last encounter at Selhurst Park, is expected to lead the attack as the lone striker.

Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner has provided an update regarding player fitness, stating that Daniel Muñoz is in good condition and ready to play. However, the Eagles will miss Dean Henderson due to illness; he remains in London, and Walter Benítez is likely to take his place in goal. Long-term absentees include Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucouré. Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to spearhead the attack, with Jean-Philippe Mateta pushing for a starting position after recent substitute appearances.

Current Form

AEK Larnaca

AEK Larnaca is currently in formidable form, with two wins and two draws in their last four matches, having conceded only once during this stretch. They have been known for their slow starts followed by strong finishes, with their Conference League matches so far producing just one first-half goal. Following a domestic victory over Ethnikos Achna, they come into this contest with considerable confidence.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace’s recent performances have highlighted a lack of clinical finishing, following a dominant yet goalless outing against Larnaca with another 0-0 draw in the Premier League against Leeds United. While their defense remains solid, only two of their last six competitions have seen both teams score. The Eagles have been active in creating set-piece opportunities and rank among the top teams for corners in the Conference League this season, having taken 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

Broadcast Information

The match will be shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 3 and discovery+, with coverage starting at 17:00 GMT ahead of the 17:45 kick-off time.