Crystal Palace is poised for a pivotal European encounter tonight, as they welcome Zrinjski Mostar to Selhurst Park. With the aggregate score currently deadlocked after a closely contested first leg, the Eagles are determined to make club history by advancing to the last 16 of a continental tournament for the very first time. This match carries significant weight for the London club, whose recent domestic victory against Wolves has provided a timely boost in morale and allowed manager Oliver Glasner to intensify his focus on their European aspirations.
The initial clash saw Palace settle for a 1-1 draw, a result that left some frustration, particularly after a sluggish start to the second half. Despite this, their attacking prowess has been evident, with goals scored in eight consecutive matches across various competitions. Furthermore, the team has demonstrated resilience, suffering only one defeat in their last five outings. These statistics highlight a squad that, despite facing challenges, is capable of delivering crucial performances when it matters most.
Manager Oliver Glasner is navigating a challenging period marked by several key injuries within his senior squad. However, there's a glimmer of hope as one important defender might return to the starting lineup. The availability of Maxence Lacroix remains uncertain, as he is undergoing a late fitness assessment after missing the recent victory over Wolves due to an adductor issue. Should Lacroix not be fit to play, the defensive responsibilities will likely fall to Chris Richards or Chadi Riad to complete the back three. This potential continuity in defense suggests that the team might field a largely unchanged defensive unit from the one that performed well against Wolves.
Despite the defensive considerations, other areas of the squad are also impacted. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eddie Nketiah, and Jefferson Lerma are confirmed absentees, with Nketiah not expected to rejoin training until late March. In goal, Dean Henderson is set to start, shielded by a defensive line that could feature Maxence Lacroix and Chadi Riad. The midfield engine room is expected to be anchored by Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada, while Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell will operate as dynamic wing-backs. Upfront, Ismaïla Sarr, who was instrumental with an opening goal in the first leg, will partner Jørgen Strand Larsen in attack, alongside Brennan Johnson. The significance of securing a win tonight cannot be overstated, especially given the team's recent record of just two victories in their last 16 games. A positive result would undoubtedly bolster the atmosphere and momentum at Selhurst Park, rekindling the team's European dream.
The anticipation for this Conference League fixture is palpable. Set to unfold at Selhurst Park on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the match is scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off. For fans in the UK, live coverage of the game will be available on TNT Sports 3, with streaming options also provided through the discovery+ application. This ensures that supporters can tune in to witness Crystal Palace's efforts to advance in the competition, regardless of their location.
Tonight's match against Zrinjski Mostar is more than just a game; it's an opportunity for Crystal Palace to etch a new chapter in their European history. Despite facing injury setbacks and the pressure of a closely fought first leg, the team's recent domestic form and offensive capabilities offer a strong foundation for success. The potential return of key players, coupled with the strategic acumen of manager Oliver Glasner, positions the Eagles to overcome their Bosnian opponents and secure a coveted spot in the last 16. The atmosphere at Selhurst Park will undoubtedly be electric, as fans rally behind their team in this crucial European quest.