Crystal Palace go in search of their first-ever European home win on Thursday as they take on AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League. The game kicks off at 8:00pm at Selhurst Park, and below you can find our full match preview and best bets for the occasion.
Best Bets & Predictions
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Hughes to be carded | 15/4 @ Bet365 (21.1%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Will Hughes has started every game for Palace in the Europa Conference League this season. Across nins starts in all formats he has five yelllows in nine this term, and looking at his Premier League record he has 11 in his last 33 outings. With a 33% hit rate across his last 33 matches, there’s value to be taken in the 15/4 for a card on Thursday, which only implies a 21.1% chance of success. |
| Both Teams To Score – Yes | 8/11 @ Bet365 (57.9%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Wins against Brentford and Liverpool in their last two will give Palace plenty of confidence going into this game. However, AZ should not be underestimated. The Dutch side have won five on the bounce, including a victory over Ajax. Expect the visitors to get on the scoresheet, and a high scoring affair could be on the cards. |
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How both teams go into Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar
Crystal Palace began their European campaign with a 2-0 win at Dynamo Kiev but suffered a setback two weeks later, losing 1-0 at home to AEK Larnaca in the Conference League. It was a frustrating night at Selhurst Park as Palace managed just one shot on target from 13 attempts. After the match, Oliver Glasner urged his players to stay humble and remember that European success is never guaranteed.
Palace arrive here off bouncing back from a narrow loss to Arsenal with wins over Liverpool in the EFL Cup and Brentford in the league, the latter a 2-0 victory that lifted them to ninth place in the Premier League.
AZ Alkmaar have won 10 of their 23 away games this year but suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to AEK Larnaca in their first Conference League outing. Their European away form has been poor, with only two wins from their last 14 matches, yet Maarten Martens’s team travel to Selhurst Park full of confidence after a strong run. Since that loss to Larnaca, AZ have won five straight games in all competitions, including a 2-0 victory over Ajax and a 1-0 win against Slovan Bratislava in Europe.
Crystal Palace team news
Crystal Palace remain without Eddie Nketiah, Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, and Caleb Kporha through injury, while Adam Wharton faces a late fitness test after missing the Brentford win with illness. If Wharton returns, Daichi Kamada may be rested, leaving Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes to contest the final midfield spot.
Borna Sosa is back from suspension and could replace Tyrick Mitchell on the left, while Jaydee Canvot may come in for Chris Richards at centre-back.
AZ Alkmaar team news
For AZ Alkmaar, Seiya Maikuma, Mexx Meerdink, and Jordy Clasie are still sidelined. Top scorer Troy Parrott, with 13 goals in 12 games this season, will lead the attack. Alexandre Penetra and Maxim Dekker are vying to partner Wouter Goes in defence, while Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans, and young talent Smit should anchor midfield.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 16 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| AZ | 21 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
Both sides have won and lost once in the group, but AZ’s overall campaign numbers (19 goals in 8 games) dwarf Palace’s output (3 in 4) and point to greater firepower.
Head-to-Head: Last Meetings
These sides have never previously met in European competition, so this will be their first-ever competitive encounter.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| — | No previous meetings | — |
Conclusion
Will Crystal Palace finally make their dominance in possession count, or will AZ’s clinical attack punish them for inefficiency? With Palace continuing to underperform on their xG and AZ boasting multiple goal threats, we’ve taken a lean towards Will Hughes being carded 15/4 @ Bet365 (21.1%) as the value angle for punters looking for a strong price.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
