Crystal Palace predicted XI vs AEK Larnaca: Eagles chase history in Cyprus showdown
Crystal Palace predicted XI vs AEK Larnaca: Eagles chase history in Cyprus showdown Crystal Palace travel to Cyprus for the second leg of their Europa Conference League round of 16 tie, keen to book a place in a first-ever European quarter-final . The Eagles were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Selhurst Park last week and now face a decisive second leg against AEK Larnaca at the AEK Arena. With their Premier League status all but secure, Palace’s season now hinges on finding a clinical edge when it matters most.
Match preview Crystal Palace have been here before in this tie – dominant, but ultimately blunt. They controlled the first leg with over 70% possession, creating six big chances, yet failed to score. Palace’s lack of cutting edge resurfaced at the weekend, as they drew 0-0 with 10-man Leeds United without registering a single shot on target.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner has urged balance in Cyprus. Larnaca thrive on patience, defensive discipline and set-pieces, and will punish over-commitment. The Austrian, who lifted the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, is determined to bow out on a high at Palace.
But to keep that dream alive, his side must find their shooting boots. Match stats Palace have won four of their nine Conference League matches this season (D3, L2). The Eagles are unbeaten in three European away games (W2, D1), with their only loss on the road coming against Strasbourg.
However, they have now failed to score in back-to-back matches in all competitions. Meanwhile, Larnaca remain unbeaten in the Conference League this season (W3, D4) and boast the best defensive record in the competition. The Cypriot side has kept six clean sheets and conceded just once in Europe this term.