Crystal Palace vs Zrinjski Mostar Predictions, Picks & Odds

Crystal Palace vs Zrinjski MostarGame Details

Competition: UEFA Conference League Knockout Play-offs
Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026
Kick-off Time: 20:00 (UK time)
Venue: Selhurst Park
Live Stream (UK): TNT Sports 1, Discovery+

Crystal Palace vs Zrinjski Mostar Preview

Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park on Thursday night with their Conference League knockout tie with Zrinjski Mostar finely balanced. The English side played a frustrating 1-1 draw in Bosnia-Herzegovina last week. The Eagles dominated possession in the first leg and looked set to claim a valuable away win. However, they were pegged back early in the second half, leaving the contest wide open heading into the return fixture.

That result did little to ease the pressure on Oliver Glasner, whose has come under increasing scrutiny amid a difficult run of form. Palace have won just twice in their last 16 matches across all competitions, though one of those victories came at home last weekend when they edged past Wolves in the Premier League. With top-flight safety now largely assured, attention turns fully to Europe and the opportunity to keep their maiden European campaign alive.

Zrinjski, meanwhile, will travel to south London buoyed by their resilience in the opening leg, where they capitalised on Palace’s lapse in concentration. The Bosnian champions remain in uncharted territory as they chase a first-ever place in the last 16 of a major European competition. However, their away record in the Conference League offers little encouragement as they have lost all six of their Conference League away matches without scoring.

Palace can take encouragement from their home record in this competition as they have lost only once at Selhurst Park in the Conference League this season. Their control of the first leg suggests they possess the quality to break Zrinjski down, particularly if they start with greater intensity after being punished for a sluggish spell in Bosnia.

This tie sets up well for a controlled, low-scoring second leg after last week’s 1-1 draw. The recent numbers support it too: four of Palace’s last five have stayed under 3.5 goals, including the first leg. Meanwhile, 13 of Zrinjski’s last 15 matches have also finished below that line.

Jorgen Strand Larsen is a great anytime goalscorer pick with the striker quickly finding his feet since arriving from Wolves. He scored his first two Palace goals against Burnley recently and looks all set to lead the line here. Palace will spend long spells in the final third and create multiple chances in this match. As a result, Strand Larsen is well-placed to be on the end of cutbacks and crosses inside the box.

Palace should spend large stretches camped in Zrinjski’s half, and that kind of control typically translates into corners through blocked crosses, deflected shots, and repeated wide attacks. With Zrinjski expected to sit in, clear lines and absorb pressure, Palace can rack up corner volume simply by keeping the ball and recycling attacks.