Crystal Palace faces a crucial test as they travel to Cyprus for the second leg of their Europa Conference League tie against AEK Larnaca. The Eagles are aiming to finally overcome a side that has proven to be a persistent thorn in their side this season, having already suffered a defeat to the Cypriot outfit in the group stage. The first leg at Selhurst Park concluded in a frustrating goalless draw, leaving the tie delicately poised heading into Thursday’s encounter.
This match holds significant weight for Crystal Palace, as it marks their final fixture for an extended period. Following this European clash, their scheduled weekend fixture against Manchester City has been postponed due to City’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final. This is then followed by the March international break, meaning a 23-day hiatus from competitive action. Manager Oliver Glasner will be keenly aware of the need for his side to deliver a performance that secures progression in the Conference League, especially given the recent run of results.
Key Match Details
The second leg between AEK Larnaca and Crystal Palace is scheduled to kick off at 5:45 PM GMT on Thursday, March 19th. The venue for this decisive encounter will be the AEK Arena in Larnaca, Cyprus.
How to Tune In
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3. Coverage is set to commence at 5 PM GMT, giving fans ample time to settle in before kick-off. Those who prefer to stream the game can do so via discovery+, provided they are subscribers.
Team News and Potential Line-ups
AEK Larnaca faces some injury concerns heading into this crucial second leg. Jorge Miramon was forced off during the first leg and is a doubt, with Petros Ionannu expected to step in at right wing-back. The Cypriot side will also be without Valentin Roberge, Youssef Amyn, Giorgos Naoum, and Jimmy Suarez due to existing injuries.
- Potential AEK Larnaca XI:
Alomerovic; Ionannu, Milicevic, Saborit, Ekpolo, Garcia; Rohden, Ledes, Pons, Ivanovic; Bajic.
Crystal Palace also have players whose fitness will be assessed ahead of the game. Dean Henderson and Daniel Munoz were absent for their recent draw at Leeds and will undergo evaluations before the match. Jean-Philippe Mateta made a return from the bench in the first leg following a potential move away from the club, and while he received a mixed reception, he is likely to start as a substitute again, with Jorgen Strand Larsen expected to lead the line.
- Potential Crystal Palace XI:
Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Johnson, Kamada, Wharton, Mitchell; Sarr, Guessand; Strand Larsen.
The Challenge Ahead for Crystal Palace
The goalless draw at Selhurst Park was a familiar narrative for Crystal Palace this season – a struggle to convert chances and a lack of cutting edge. Their previous encounter with AEK Larnaca in the group stage, a 1-0 home defeat in October, underscores the difficulty they’ve had in breaking down this particular opponent. In Cyprus, under the lights of the AEK Arena, Palace will need to demonstrate a renewed attacking verve and a more clinical approach if they are to overturn the deficit and secure their passage to the next round of the Europa Conference League. The pressure will be on Glasner’s men to deliver a performance that silences their doubters and finally conquers their Cypriot nemesis.
