Match Overview

The 3rd-round match of the 2025/26 group stage between Crystal Palace (England) and AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) is scheduled for November 6th at Selhurst Park in London. Here’s our detailed prediction, betting odds, and statistics for Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar.

Crystal Palace’s Campaign

Current Form and Recent Performance

In the previous round, the English side realized that even in Europe’s third-tier competition, maximum concentration is vital. Oliver Glasner’s team seemingly relaxed after an away victory against Dynamo Kyiv (2-0) and surprisingly lost 0-1 at home to the modest AEK Larnaca. This marked the Londoners’ first defeat in European competitions, following two wins and one draw.

Statistical Highlights for Crystal Palace

• In Crystal Palace’s four previous Conference League matches, no more than two goals were scored.
• At least one team failed to score in Crystal Palace’s last four matches in this European competition.
• Across the last four encounters involving the English club in this tournament, only one goal was scored in the first half.

Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup

Crystal Palace’s Provisional Starting XI (5-4-1)*: Dean Henderson – Jaïdi Kanwo, Maxence Lacroix, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Muñoz, Marc Guéhi – Jefferson Lerma, Yeremi Pino, Ismaïla Sarr, Will Hughes – Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Team News: Injuries

Midfielders Caleb Cropa and Cheik Doucouré, along with forward Eddie Nketiah, will miss the match due to injuries.

AZ Alkmaar’s Journey

Recent Matches and Group Standing

Maarten Martens’ squad hosted Slovan in the 2nd round and secured a narrow 1-0 victory. However, prior to that, the club suffered an unexpected 0-4 heavy defeat away to AEK. This loss is their only one in their last seven matches in this tournament, with all other games resulting in wins. The Dutch side currently sits within the top 24 teams.

AZ Alkmaar Statistical Trends

• At least one team failed to score in six of AZ Alkmaar’s last seven matches in this European competition.
• The Dutch team has failed to win in six of their last eight away matches in the Conference League (one draw and five defeats).
• AZ Alkmaar conceded two or more goals in six of their previous eight away games in this tournament.

AZ Alkmaar Predicted Lineup

AZ Alkmaar’s Provisional Starting XI (4-3-3)*: Rom-Jayden Owusu-Oduro – Wouter Goes, Denso Kasius, Maxim Dekker, Mees de Wit – Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans – Ibrahim Sadiq, Isak Jensen, Weslly Pinto Batista.

Team News: Injuries

Forwards Mex Meerdink and Ro-Zangelo Daal, defender Denso Kasius, and midfielders Matej Šin and Dave Kwakman are currently in the club’s infirmary.

The Referee

Match Official Details

Daniele Chiffi (Italy)

• Matches officiated: 7 (International matches, 2023/2024 – 2025/26);
• Yellow cards shown (including second yellows): 25;
• Average yellow cards per match: 3.6;
• Red cards shown: 1;
• Average fouls per match: 23;
• Penalties awarded: 14%.

Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar Match Prediction

Home Advantage and Motivation

If the English side aims to progress far in this European competition or even contend for the trophy, they must change their approach to the Conference League. Playing lackadaisically in this tournament, where even mid-table teams can secure victories, is unacceptable. It is particularly crucial to maximize points at home to secure early qualification for the next stage.

AZ Alkmaar’s Away Woes

I believe the Londoners will be fully focused for this match. After all, the Dutch side is not an insurmountable opponent and can be defeated with a comfortable margin. While Alkmaar typically performs well at home, their away form is considerably weaker. In their last 11 away matches in the Conference League, the club has suffered 7 defeats, conceding at least two goals in each. Their only victories in this period came against very mediocre opponents: Levski, Vaduz, and Santa Coloma.

Our Betting Tip

My prediction is: “Crystal Palace with a (-1.5) handicap” at odds of 2.08

Lineup Note

* For each team, the starting lineup from their last match in this tournament is indicated.