Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca: A Crucial Encounter
“I don’t know if it’s the most important game at Selhurst Park [ever],” said Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, as his team prepares to face AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie. The match is set to kick off at 8pm UK time on March 12, 2026, and will be broadcast live on TNT Sport 2, with streaming available on Discovery+.
This match comes after a challenging group phase for both teams, where AEK Larnaca finished eighth, just one position above Crystal Palace, who ended up in ninth. Crystal Palace had to qualify for this round through a play-off tie against Zrinjski, showcasing their determination to progress in the tournament.
In their previous encounter in October, AEK Larnaca stunned Crystal Palace with a 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park, a result that has added extra pressure on the English side as they seek redemption. Glasner acknowledged the significance of the upcoming match, stating, “It’s definitely a big game for us.” The stakes are high as both teams aim to secure a favorable position in the knockout stage.
Currently, Crystal Palace sits 13th in the Premier League table, having won three of their last five league games, which may provide them with a boost in confidence. In contrast, AEK Larnaca is performing well in the Cypriot league, holding third place and remaining unbeaten in this season’s Conference League, having already defeated notable teams like AZ Alkmaar.
The predicted line-ups for the match indicate a strategic approach from both sides. Crystal Palace is expected to field a team including Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Riad, Clyne, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell, Sarr, Guessand, and Strand Larsen. AEK Larnaca’s likely formation features Alomerovic, Ekpolo, Milicevic, Saborit, Roberge, Garcia, Pons, Ledes, Miramon, Bajic, and Ivanovic.
As the match approaches, the odds reflect a competitive atmosphere, with Crystal Palace at 1-5 to win, AEK Larnaca at 10-1, and a draw at 4-1. These figures suggest that while Crystal Palace is favored, the previous results against AEK Larnaca could play a significant role in the outcome.
With both teams eager to advance in the tournament, the upcoming clash at Selhurst Park promises to be an exciting encounter. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Crystal Palace can turn the tables on AEK Larnaca and secure a vital victory in their European campaign.