The Matchday 3 clash of the 2025/26 Conference League between Crystal Palace (England) and AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) will take place on November 6 at Selhurst Park in London. Crystal Palace vs. AZ Alkmaar: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Crystal Palace
In the previous round, the English side learned that even in the third-tier European competition, maximum concentration is required. Oliver Glasner's men seemed to relax after their away win over Dynamo Kyiv (2-0) and surprisingly lost at home to modest AEK Larnaca 0-1. This was the first defeat for the Londoners in European competitions. Before that, they had two wins and one draw.
- In the last four matches of the Londoners in the Conference League, no more than two goals were scored.
- At least one team failed to score in Crystal Palace's last four matches in this European competition.
- In the last four encounters of the English side in this tournament, only one goal was scored in the first half.
Predicted lineup for Crystal Palace (5-4-1)
Dean Henderson – Jaidi Kanwo, Maxence Lacroix, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Munoz, Marc Guehi – Jefferson Lerma, Yeremi Pino, Ismaila Sarr, Will Hughes – Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Due to injuries, midfielders Caleb Chropa and Cheick Doucoure, as well as forward Eddie Nketiah, will miss the match.
AZ Alkmaar
Maarten Martens' side hosted Slovan in the second round and edged them out with a narrow 1-0 victory. However, before that, the club unexpectedly suffered a heavy 0-4 away defeat to AEK. This loss is the only one in their last seven matches in this tournament (with victories in the other games). The Dutch team is currently in the top 24.
- At least one team failed to score in 6 of AZ Alkmaar's last 7 matches in this European competition.
- The Dutch side has not won in 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Conference League (1 draw and 5 losses).
- The club has conceded two or more goals in 6 of their last 8 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro – Wouter Goes, Denso Kasius, Maxim Dekker, Mees de Wit – Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans – Ibrahim Sadiq, Isak Jensen, Wesley Pinto Batista.
Forwards Mex Merdink and Ro-Zangelo Dal, defender Denso Kasius, and midfielders Matej Sin and Dave Kwakman are in the club's infirmary.
Referee
Daniele Chiffi (Italy)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2023/2024 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 25;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 14%.
Crystal Palace vs. AZ Alkmaar: Match Prediction
If the English side hopes to advance far in this European competition or even compete for the trophy, they need to change their approach to the Conference League. They cannot afford to play half-heartedly in this tournament, where even mid-tier teams can claim victory over them. It is especially important to secure maximum points at home to ensure early qualification for the next stage.
I believe the Londoners will be focused for this match. The Dutch side is not a particularly formidable opponent and can be defeated with a confident margin. AZ Alkmaar performs well at home but struggles on the road. In their last 11 away games in the Conference League, the club has suffered 7 defeats, conceding at least two goals in each. Their victories in this series came against very mediocre opponents – Levski, Vaduz, and Santa Coloma.
My prediction: Crystal Palace with a handicap (-1.5)
