2025-26 UEFA Conference League: League Phase – Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar

Crystal Palace host AZ Alkmaar in a huge league phase match in 2025-26 UEFA Conference League. 

Locked on three points apiece coming into this match, victory could see Palace or AZ Alkmaar climb into the top eight depending on results elsewhere.

 

Team News

Adam Wharton is set to return for Palace after he missed their 2-0 Premier League victory at home to Brentford, having suffered from illness ahead of that game.

Caleb Kporha (back), Eddie Nketiah (hamstring), Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure (both knee) remain absent.

AZ Alkmaar have no fresh injury concerns following their 1-0 Eredivisie victory at Sparta Rotterdam.

Jordie Clasie (unspecified), Seiya Maikuma (knee), Mexx Meerdink (groin) are ruled out.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Palace host AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on Thursday 6 November at 8pm GMT, live on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Palace’s first competitive meeting against AZ Alkmaar.
• AZ Alkmaar are making their first competitive trip to Palace.
• Palace have converted just eight of their 28 shots onto target in their two league phase matches so far.
• AZ Alkmaar have lost all four previous away trips to London-based English opposition (L4), although two of those visits were to Tottenham in league phase and Round of 16 in last season’s Europa League.

 

Prediction

Having endured a tough few weeks, Palace certainly seem to be back to their best after clinical victories over Liverpool and Brentford in Carabao Cup and Premier League respectively, but they will need to start being more clinical in their end product if want to finish in the top eight in this league phase.

AZ Alkmaar meanwhile have made a similar start to the league phase with one win and loss apiece and have found form with five consecutive wins in all competitions, which shows that they won’t make it easy despite their poor away record in London.

I however do think that Palace will prove too strong if can continue their renewed form but AZ Alkmaar might nick a goal if lucky.

Prediction; Crystal Palace 2-1 AZ Alkmaar

Result: Crystal Palace 3-1 AZ Alkmaar