Crystal Palace v Zrinjski Mostar preview
Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner hopes his gamers will discover a “higher stability” and permit Zrinjski fewer transitions when the perimeters meet once more at Selhurst Park following a 1-1 draw within the first leg of their Convention League knockout part play-off final Thursday.
Palace are big favourites regardless of being held in Mostar, the place Ismaila Sarr gave them a first-half lead earlier than Karlo Abramovic’s second-half equaliser.
“We want extra runs in behind to threaten them, even when it appears like there’s not numerous area,” stated Glasner.
“Even 10 or 15 yards is sufficient to ask for the ball in behind. Then we’ll get the ball round their field and see if we are able to rating targets, create probabilities and get set-plays.
“I need to take the stress away from the gamers, as a result of it appears like generally they need it an excessive amount of.
Precision from Ismaïla Sarr 🎯#UECL | @CPFC pic.twitter.com/KOaSSEY3j3
— UEFA Convention League (@Conf_League) February 25, 2026
“We confirmed the gamers a clip with seven gamers within the attacking field and simply three centre-backs exterior.
“It was taking an excessive amount of threat however it’s as a result of the gamers need to rating, break the deep block and take duty.”
Zrinjski’s Leo Mikic referred to as the opening end result a “actually massive one”. “We’ll solely absolutely realise later what we’ve achieved – particularly these of us enjoying these form of matches for the primary time,” the ahead added, by way of UEFA.
“We’ll present coronary heart once more within the second leg. There can be a greater pitch and a good higher ambiance, however we have now each proper to hope.”
Supervisor Igor Stimac felt Zrinjski ought to have transformed “clear probabilities” to win the sport. “Now we have to maintain working,” he stated.
“There’s no have to be afraid. I used to be even hoping for a win, although some would possibly name that over-confident. I do know what my gamers are able to.”
The winners will face Mainz or Larnaca within the final 16. Try the total Convention League bracket.
Crystal Palace v Zrinjski Mostar crew information
Maxence Lacroix is a doubt with an adductor harm that compelled the Palace defender off through the first leg.
Glasner doesn’t anticipate Eddie Nketiah to function till April after the ahead suffered a setback in his comeback from a hamstring drawback.
Defender or midfielder Jefferson Lerma has the identical subject however is more likely to return far sooner. Midfielder Cheick Doucoure and ahead Jean-Philippe Mateta have knee accidents.
Centre-back Toni Sunjic (knee) and midfielder Stefano Surdanovic (leg) are anticipated to be out for Zrinjski, with ahead Mato Sakota a doubt and right-back Marko Vranjkovic suspended.
Former Bosnia and Herzegovina attacking midfielder Adi Nalic was an unused substitute within the first leg, however the January signing has been that includes recurrently and is in competition to start out after build up his health.
Crystal Palace v Zrinjski Mostar predicted lineups
Crystal Palace beginning XI: Dean Henderson, Daniel Munoz, Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Chadi Riad, Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton, Daichi Kamada, Ismaila Sarr, Brennan Johnson, Jorgen Strand Larsen
Zrinjski Mostar beginning XI: Goran Karacic, Marko Vranjkovic, Hrvoje Barisic, Duje Dujmovic, Igor Savic, Petar Mamic, Karlo Abramovic, Neven Djurasek, Antonio Ivancic, Leo Mikic, Mario Cuze
The best way to watch Palace v Zrinjski: TV channel, dwell on-line stream
Kick-off on Thursday is at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). Reside TV protection within the UK is on TNT Sports activities 3 and the Discovery Plus app.
TNT Sports activities prices £29.99 a month by way of Discovery Plus, which incorporates Eurosport and leisure and is obtainable on an unlimited vary of gadgets together with sensible TVs and gaming consoles.
Crystal Palace v Zrinjski Mostar stats
The primary leg was Palace’s first assembly with a crew from Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Eagles have had essentially the most makes an attempt (118) of any crew within the 2025/26 Convention League
Solely Alkmaar (42) have had extra corners than Palace (41), who’ve additionally been adjudged offside most frequently (21)
Ismaila Sarr’s three targets make him the joint-fourth prime scorer on this season’s competitors
Palace’s 1-0 win over Wolves on Sunday was their first dwelling victory since they beat Alkmaar 3-1 on November 6, spanning 9 matches in all competitions
Zrinjski have confronted a aspect from England earlier than, dropping 1-0 at Aston Villa within the 2023/24 UEFA Convention League group stage and drawing 1–1 with the Villans in Mostar
No crew nonetheless concerned has conceded extra targets than Zrinjski (11)
The Nobles’ 9 titles make them essentially the most profitable crew within the historical past of their home Premier League, though they’re at the moment six factors behind leaders Borac after 22 matches
Supervisor Igor Stimac performed for Derby County all through their conferences with Palace through the 1997/98 Premier League season, taking part in a 0-0 dwelling draw and 3-1 away defeat
Centre-back Stimac represented the Rams between 1995 and 1999, then moved to West Ham till 2001
Now 58, he received 53 Croatia caps – serving to his nation end third on the 1998 FIFA World Cup – and had three spells with Hajduk Break up, in addition to enjoying for Cadiz between 1992 and 1994
