Oliver Glasner’s Perspective
In anticipation of the upcoming match, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner stated, “I don’t know if it’s the most important game at Selhurst Park [ever].” This remark underscores the significance of the encounter against AEK Larnaca, as it marks a pivotal moment in the club’s inaugural journey into European football.
Crystal Palace will host AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie on March 12, 2026, at 8 PM UK time. The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sport 2, with streaming available on Discovery+. Following a challenging group phase where Palace finished ninth, just one position below Larnaca, the stakes are high for both teams.
Recent Performance
Crystal Palace’s recent form has seen them secure three wins in their last five Premier League matches, positioning them 13th in the league table. However, they are currently ten points off both fifth place and the relegation zone, indicating a need for consistent performance. In their previous encounter with AEK Larnaca during the group phase, Palace suffered a defeat despite dominating possession with 67% and taking 16 shots.
On the other hand, AEK Larnaca comes into this match with a strong showing in the Cypriot league, where they currently sit in third place. Their squad has faced some injury challenges, with key players such as Yahav Gurfinkel and Youssef Amyn sidelined. This could impact their performance as they look to advance in the tournament.
Injury Concerns
Injuries are a concern for both teams. Crystal Palace will be without Daniel Munoz, Eddie Nketiah, and Cheick Doucoure, which could affect their attacking options. Meanwhile, AEK Larnaca will miss several players, including Giorgos Naoum and Jimmy Suarez, which may hinder their defensive capabilities.
Glasner emphasized the importance of the match, stating, “It’s definitely a big game for us.” He added, “You can’t allow losing points,” highlighting the necessity for his team to secure a favorable result at home.
Looking Ahead
As the teams prepare for this crucial fixture, both managers will be keen to field their strongest line-ups. Crystal Palace’s predicted formation includes goalkeeper Sam Henderson and a defense featuring Marc Guéhi and Malo Gusto, while AEK Larnaca is expected to start with Alomerovic in goal and a solid back line led by Milicevic and Roberge.
With the match approaching, Glasner expressed optimism, stating, “Now, my feeling is we’re getting closer and closer to the goal we had when we started this competition.” The outcome of this match could be a defining moment for Crystal Palace as they seek to establish themselves on the European stage.
