Match Preview

The 2025/26 Group Stage Matchday 3 fixture between Crystal Palace (England) and AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) is set to take place on November 6th at Selhurst Park in London. This preview covers the Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar match, including predictions, betting odds, and statistics.

Crystal Palace Analysis

Last round, the English side discovered that even in the third-tier European competition, maximum concentration is required. Oliver Glasner’s men, seemingly complacent after their 2-0 away victory against Dynamo Kyiv, suffered a surprising 0-1 home defeat to modest AEK Larnaca. This marked the Londoners’ first loss in European competition, following two wins and one draw.

Key Statistics for Crystal Palace

• No more than two goals were scored in Crystal Palace’s four previous Conference League matches.
• At least one team failed to score in Crystal Palace’s last four European matches.
• Only one goal was scored in the first half of the Eagles’ last four matches in this tournament.

Crystal Palace Provisional Starting XI (5-4-1)*

Dean Henderson – Jaïdi Kanwo, Maxence Lacroix, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Muñoz, Marc Guéhi – Jefferson Lerma, Yeremi Pino, Ismaïla Sarr, Will Hughes – Jean-Philippe Mateta.

AZ Alkmaar Analysis

Maarten Martens’ squad hosted Slovan in the second round, securing a narrow 1-0 victory. However, prior to that, the club suffered a surprising 0-4 away thrashing by AEK. This defeat is their only one in the last seven matches in this competition, with the remaining games all ending in victories. The Dutch side currently sits within the top 24.

Key Statistics for AZ Alkmaar

• At least one team failed to score in six of AZ Alkmaar’s last seven European outings.
• The Dutch side has failed to win six of their last eight away matches in the Conference League (one draw and five losses).
• AZ conceded two or more goals in six of their last eight away fixtures in this tournament.

AZ Alkmaar Provisional Starting XI (4-3-3)*

Rom-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.

Referee Profile

Daniele Chiffi (Italy)

Matches officiated – 7 (International fixtures, 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 awarded – 14%.

Match Prediction and Betting Tips

If the English side harbors ambitions of advancing deep into this European competition or even contending for the trophy, they must adjust their approach to the Conference League. Playing lackadaisically in a tournament where even mid-table teams can secure a victory is unacceptable. It is particularly crucial to maximize points at home to secure early qualification for the next stage.

I believe the Londoners will be fully focused for this match. After all, the Dutch side is not an overly formidable opponent, and they can be beaten by a comfortable margin. While AZ performs well at home, their away form is considerably weaker. In their previous 11 Conference League away matches, the club has suffered 7 defeats, conceding at least two goals in the process. Their only victories in this run came against relatively modest opponents: Levski, Vaduz, and Santa Coloma.

My prediction is Crystal Palace with a handicap of (-1.5).

* For each team, the starting lineup in its previous match in this tournament is indicated.