Crystal Palace and AZ Alkmaar Set for Crucial Europa Conference League Clash

London, England – Crystal Palace hosts AZ Alkmaar on Thursday for a crucial Europa Conference League match, marking their second-ever European home group game. Both teams are currently tied with three points, making this fixture pivotal as they compete for a guaranteed spot in the later knockout rounds.

Oliver Glasner‘s Crystal Palace is looking to bounce back after a surprising 1-0 loss to AEK Larnaca in their last European outing at Selhurst Park. However, the Eagles arrive full of confidence with back-to-back domestic victories, including a league win against Brentford and a dominant 3-0 Carabao Cup triumph at Liverpool. “We are fit and in good shape for Thursday’s game,” Glasner said, noting the boost from midfielder Adam Wharton’s return from illness.

AZ Alkmaar also seeks a rebound after a tough start in the league phase, losing 4-0 to AEK Larnaca in their opener. They did secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava in their last match. Under coach Maarten Martens, AZ is currently third in the Eredivisie, winning their last four league matches.

Glasner’s lineup for the match includes Dean Henderson in goal, with a back five of Christ Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell, and Muñoz. Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes will man the midfield, while Yeremy Pino, Ismaila Sarr, and Jean-Philippe Mateta lead the attacking front. The only change from the weekend’s lineup is Hughes starting in place of Daichi Kamada.

A change in AZ’s lineup features Rom-Jayden Owusu-Oduri in goal, supported by Alexandre Penetra, Elijah Dijkstra, Wouter Goes, and Mateo Chavez in the back. The midfield includes Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners, and Sven Mijnans, with Troy Parrott spearheading the attack, supported by Ibrahim Sadiz and Weslley Patati.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm GMT at Selhurst Park. Fans in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage beginning at 7:45 pm GMT.