Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca Predictions

• Fewer than three goals have been scored in five of Palace’s last seven home games
• Fewer than three goals have been scored in five of AEK Larnaca’s six Conference League clashes
• There were only three shots on target when Larnaca beat Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park in October

Cypriot side will be no pushovers for Palace 

Crystal Palace will know what to expect from AEK Larnaca when they face the Cypriot side for a second time in the Europa League this season. Imanol Idiakez’s men held on for a dogged 1-0 win at Selhurst Park in October, capitalising on a Jaydee Canvot error for the only goal on the night.

The Eagles were left to rue some missed chances in their first-ever home European game as Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the crossbar, headed wide and saw a point-blank range effort saved by visiting keeper Zlatan Alomerovic.

Oliver Glasner’s side have had their ups and downs this season, but are currently riding a decent spell of form with three wins in their last four games. Two of those have come in front of their own fans with Zrinjski dismissed 2-0 in the play-off round a few days after Wolves had been unlucky to lose 1-0 in South London.

Eagles lack a clinical edge

Palace missed a few chances in both of those wins and currently appear to lack a clinical edge, which should discourage anyone from backing them for a landslide first-leg win. Larnaca posted the best defensive record in the League phase, conceding only once in their six matches, and finished two points better off than the Eagles.

That record suggests they will be no pushovers for Palace and could keep the result in doubt right up to the final whistle. Home advantage and the quality they possess in attack should ensure they take a lead to Cyprus, but it could be as tight as 1-0.

Jorgan Strand Larsen, who scored in Palace’s 3-1 win at Tottenham last week, is the sort of striker who could sniff out a chance against a well-disciplined Larnaca backline.