Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace have won two and lost two in their last four games, which included a 0 - 0 draw in the first leg in London
- Oliver Glasner’s side are in mid-table in the Premier League, with 38 points from 29 games reflecting a somewhat up and down campaign in which he has rotated his squad and had to cope with numerous injuries.
- Palace don’t have many creative players, so Glasner’s 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-2 system has relied on the wing-backs and wide midfielders to create chances.
AEK Larnaca
- AEK Larnaca are among the top teams in Cyprus and have been very solid defensively in Europe.
- Imanol Idiakez’s AEK Larnaca set up in a low block, compact midblock and selective pressing to disrupt opponents and set up counters.
- They have conceded few goals domestically and in the Conference League so far.
- Hrvoje Miličević and Luis Ledes hold the structure at the back and in the midfield, respectively, while Riad Bajić has been their goal threat in Europe, scoring the winner in London and being a threat on set-pieces.
Head-to-Head
- The aggregate score is level at 0-0 after a tense first-leg in London last week, but AEK have the psychological edge after their shock win at Selhurst.
- The away goals rule is no longer in force, so a draw after 90 minutes will go to extra time and then penalties for a place in the quarter-finals.
Key Players
- Crystal Palace’s best winger, Ismaïla Sarr, provides pace and creativity from wide areas and has contributed to recent goals, but his influence is limited by the team’s system.
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Key players to watch:
- Wharton, who sets the tempo for Palace in midfield, has been missing through injury for some key games, but they have had some good results with Jorgen Strand Larsen filling in.
- The Dane adds some strength and a goal threat up front, as he proved by scoring in recent Premier League matches, while Sarr remains the main attacking threat.
- Riad Bajić has been their goal threat in Europe, scoring the winner in London and being a threat on set-pieces.
Betting Insights
- The Cypriot side are outsiders at 5.7, however, with the Eagles 1.57 favourites to win and the draw 3.9, which makes it difficult to recommend a winner in the game betting.
- Mild temperatures and dry weather are expected in Larnaca, which should suit both teams, but if the pitch is a bit heavy from recent rain, that could suit the more direct Cypriots and make extra time more likely.
- Both teams to score and under 2.5 goals are priced nearly even here and seem a bit too short, so we will play the Under 2.5 goals market and hope Palace’s superior quality can grind out a win.
Prediction
But don’t be surprised if the game goes to extra-time as Crystal Palace’s greater squad depth and attacking options should be enough to edge a close contest.
