Crystal Palace are searching for their first-ever European home win on Thursday as they host Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in a pivotal UEFA Conference League match.
Both teams enter the game at Selhurst Park level on three points in the league stage standings. Consequently, this game is crucial for their qualification hopes.
Oliver Glasner’s side will be feeling confident, however. They recently bounced back from a shock European loss with two impressive domestic wins. Meanwhile, the Eredivisie club arrives in London in superb form, having won their last five matches.
Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025
- Kick-off: 8:00 pm GMT
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London
- Referee: Daniele Chiffi
- VAR: Daniele Doveri
Team News
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner has received a welcome boost for this match. Midfielder Adam Wharton is back in the squad after recovering from an illness. Additionally, defender Chadi Riad has returned to training and could make the bench. However, the Eagles remain without striker Eddie Nketiah (hamstring) and long-term absentee Cheick Doucouré (knee). Furthermore, Naouirou Ahamada is also ineligible for this competition.
AZ Alkmaar
The Dutch side, in contrast, will travel without several key players for the trip to London. First, experienced midfielder Jordy Clasie is unavailable. Furthermore, defenders Seiya Maikuma (knee) and Mexx Meerdink (groin) are also sidelined with injuries. In their absence, in-form striker Troy Parrott is expected to lead the attack.
Form Guide
Crystal Palace
Palace appear to have rediscovered their form domestically. They recently secured impressive back-to-back clean-sheet victories over Brentford (league) and Liverpool (Carabao Cup). However, their European campaign has been mixed so far. A good opening win at Dynamo Kyiv was followed by a surprising 1-0 home loss to AEK Larnaca. This result leaves them 16th in the league stage table.
AZ Alkmaar
Alkmaar, meanwhile, are one of the most in-form teams in the Netherlands. They arrive in England on a five-match winning streak. This run includes a 1-0 league win over Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. Like Palace, however, their Conference League campaign has been inconsistent. A heavy 4-0 loss to AEK Larnaca was followed by a 1-0 home victory over Slovan Bratislava.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace predicted XI: Henderson; Muñoz, Richards, Guéhi, Mitchell; Hughes, Lerma, Wharton; Sarr, Pino, Mateta
AZ Alkmaar predicted XI: Owuso-Oduro; Kasius, Goes, Penetra, De Wit; Koopmeiners, Mijnans, Smit; Patati, Parrott, Jensen
How to watch Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar?
Fans in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1. Coverage starts at 7:45 pm GMT.
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