Crystal Palace vs Zrinjski: Eagles Aim for Historic European Run

Selhurst Park is set to host a pivotal encounter as Crystal Palace welcome Zrinjski Mostar tonight, with a coveted spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League last-16 on the line. Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Eagles have a golden opportunity to make history and progress to the knockout stages for the first time ever.

Domestic Form Fuels European Ambition

Crystal Palace’s recent resurgence in domestic form has provided a significant boost heading into this crucial European tie. A 1-0 victory over Wolves has eased any Premier League relegation concerns, allowing manager Oliver Glasner to fully concentrate on securing European progression. This win demonstrates a growing confidence within the squad, and a positive atmosphere around Selhurst Park.

First Leg Frustrations & Key Stats

Despite dominating possession in the first leg, Crystal Palace were punished for a slow start to the second half, resulting in a frustrating 1-1 draw. However, the team’s attacking prowess remains a key strength. The Eagles have impressively found the net in eight consecutive matches, showcasing their attacking threat. Furthermore, they’ve suffered only one defeat in their last five games across all competitions, highlighting their current resilience.

Team News & Predicted Lineup

Oliver Glasner faces a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injury. The availability of Maxence Lacroix is a late fitness concern after missing the weekend’s win with an adductor issue. If Lacroix fails to pass a late fitness test, Chris Richards or Chadi Riad are expected to continue in the back three. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eddie Nketiah, and Jefferson Lerma remain unavailable, with Nketiah not anticipated to return to training until late March.

Predicted Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix (or Riad), Riad (or Richards); Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Johnson, Sarr; Strand Larsen

Key Players to Watch

• Ismaïla Sarr: The winger scored the crucial away goal in the first leg and will be looking to exploit Zrinjski’s defense.
• Jørgen Strand Larsen: Leading the line, Larsen’s goal-scoring ability will be vital for Palace’s success.
• Adam Wharton & Daichi Kamada: The midfield duo will be crucial in controlling the tempo and providing creative spark.

The Importance of a Victory

With only two wins in their last 16 games before the Wolves victory, securing a win tonight is paramount to maintaining the positive momentum building around Selhurst Park. A victory would not only propel Crystal Palace into the last-16 but also provide a significant morale boost for the remainder of the season.

Match Details

The Conference League fixture will take place at Selhurst Park on Thursday, February 26th, 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT. UK viewers can watch the match live on TNT Sports 3 and stream it via the discovery+ app.

Further Reading: Premier League Official Website