AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace: Glasner’s men face resolute defence

Crystal Palace have got it all to do in their round of 16 second leg Conference League tie at AEK Larnaca (17:45 GMT, TNT Sports 3). The first leg was goalless and uneventful. Oliver Glasner needs to get a tune out of the Eagles in this decider.

Read on for my AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace predictions, complete with the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Larnaca have a number of players on the sidelines as they look to keep their European dream alive. Veteran centre back Valentin Roberge is a big miss with a fractured finger. The hosts will also have to do without Jorge Miramo, a casualty of the first leg, along with Giorgos Naoum (muscle) Youssef Amyn (hamstring) and Jimmy Suarez (groin).

Palace are still without striker Eddie Nketiah due to a thigh injury. Joining the ex-Arsenal man in the treatment room is Cheik Doucoure, who is missing with a knee problem. Dean Henderson (illness) and Daniel Munoz (shoulder) will be assessed ahead of kick-off.

Football Odds

AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace Odds

The home side are 9/2 to secure the victory while Palace are marketed at 4/7 to win. The draw is priced at 3/1.

If you fancy Larnaca to win to nil it’s 15/2, while you can back Palace hotshot Ismaila Sarr to score anytime at 13/10.

Crystal Palace to win to nil @ 7/5

Larnaca do not concede a lot. The Cypriot side have only allowed one goal in throughout the tournament. That honour went to Hacken in a 1-1 draw.

Palace themselves have tried and failed twice to breach this defence. They lost 1-0 in the league phase and drew 0-0 in the first leg, both at home.

I am banking on Glasner’s men having the requisite quality to win when under the threat of elimination. This tie is precariously-poised and the big names in this Palace squad, the likes of Jean Philippe-Mateta, Isamila Sarr and Adam Wharton, can step up and nick a tight victory.

Under 2.5 total goals @ 10/11

Larnaca do not concede a lot. That’s how I opened the previous tip but it bears repeating. One goal conceded all tournament long. Remarkable.

So needless to say, this one doesn’t feel like a goal-fest. Whether Palace live up to my faith and nick it, or their cagey opponents progress, don’t expect much to happen in either goalmouth. 

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