The Matchday 2 clash of the 2025/26 Conference League group stage between Crystal Palace (England) and AEK Larnaca (Cyprus) will take place on October 23 at Selhurst Park in London. Crystal Palace vs. AEK Larnaca: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Crystal Palace
The English side began the main stage with an away victory over Dynamo Kyiv (2-0). Including the qualifying stage, the team remains unbeaten in the Conference League (2 wins, 1 draw). Moreover, Oliver Glasner's squad has not conceded any goals. In the standings, the Londoners are in 7th place.
- The British have scored at least two goals in 4 of their last 5 matches in the Premier League and Conference League.
- At home in these tournaments, Crystal Palace is unbeaten in 11 matches (6 wins, 5 draws).
- The English side has conceded in 5 of their last 7 home games in the Premier League and Conference League.
Predicted lineup for Crystal Palace (5-4-1)
Dean Henderson – Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Borna Sosa, Daniel Munoz, Marc Guehi – Adam Wharton, Yeremi Pino, Daichi Kamada, Will Hughes – Jean-Philippe Mateta.
AEK Larnaca
The Cypriots started the main round with a confident victory over AZ Alkmaar (4-0). Thus, the team ended a 5-match winless streak in the Conference League (2 draws, 3 losses) and kept a clean sheet for the first time in their last 9 matches in this tournament. Additionally, before the last round, the club had never scored more than three goals in a Conference League match. Imanol Idiakez's side is in 2nd place in the standings.
- The Cypriots conceded first in 4 of their last 5 Conference League matches.
- Away in this tournament, the team has not won in 4 of their last 5 matches (1 draw, 3 losses).
- AEK has conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals in 5 of their last 7 Conference League matches.
Predicted lineup for AEK Larnaca (4-3-3)
Zlatan Alomerovic – Elohor Ekpolo, Jeremy Gnali, Hrvoje Milicevic, Valentin Roberge – Pere Pons, Luis Gustavo, Marcus Rohden – Riad Bajic, Waldo Rubio, Yerson Chacon.
Referee
Damian Kos (Poland)
Matches – 8 (International matches, 2024/25 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 33;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.1;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 26;
Penalties – 38%.
Match Prediction: Crystal Palace vs. AEK Larnaca
Imanol Idiakez's side surprised with their result in the first round. However, it's important to note that AEK's opponent played with a man down from the 2nd minute, and it's challenging for many teams in Cyprus. Away from home, the islanders have only one win in their last 5 Conference League matches (1 draw, 3 losses). They scored only in the match they won during this period. The opponent then was a representative of Belarus, and AEK was even considered the favorite – the only time in their history.
The British should capitalize on their superior class. In the last round, even the lack of international experience didn't stop the Londoners from defeating a regular in European competitions. With the support of their fans, Crystal Palace should look even more confident. Strong defensive play should be one of the decisive factors against an AEK team struggling to create chances.
My prediction: Crystal Palace to win and Total under 3.5 goals
