The Matchday 3 clash in the 2025/26 Conference League between Crystal Palace (England) and AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) will take place on November 6 at Selhurst Park in London. Crystal Palace vs. AZ Alkmaar: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Crystal Palace
In the last round, the English team realized that even in the third-tier European competition, maximum concentration is required. Oliver Glasner's side seemed to relax after their 2-0 away victory over Dynamo Kyiv and surprisingly lost at home to the modest AEK Larnaca 0-1. This was the first defeat for the Londoners in European competitions. Before that, they had two wins and one draw.
- In the last four matches of the Londoners in the Conference League, no more than two goals were scored.
- At least one team failed to score in Crystal Palace's last four games in this European competition.
- In the last four encounters of the English team in this tournament, only one goal was scored in the first half.
Predicted lineup for Crystal Palace (5-4-1)
Dean Henderson – Jaidi Kanwo, Maxence Lacroix, Tyrick Mitchell, Daniel Munoz, Marc Guehi – Jefferson Lerma, Yeremy Pino, Ismaila Sarr, Will Hughes – Jean-Philippe Mateta.
AZ Alkmaar
Maarten Martens' side hosted Slovan in the second round and won with a narrow 1-0 victory. However, before that, the club unexpectedly suffered a heavy 0-4 away defeat to AEK. This loss is the only one in their last seven matches in this tournament (the rest were victories). Currently, the Dutch team is in the top 24.
- At least one team failed to score in 6 of AZ Alkmaar's last 7 games in this European competition.
- The Dutch team has failed to win in 6 of their last 8 away matches in the Conference League (1 draw and 5 losses).
- The club has conceded two or more goals in 6 of their last 8 away games in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro – Wouter Goes, Denso Kasius, Maxim Dekker, Mees de Wit – Kees Smit, Peer Koopmeiners, Sven Mijnans – Ibrahim Sadiq, Isak Jensen, Wesley Pinto Batista.
Referee
Daniele Chiffi (Italy)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2023/2024 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 25;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.6;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 14%.
Match Prediction: Crystal Palace vs. AZ Alkmaar
If the English team aims to progress far in this European competition or even compete for the trophy, they need to change their approach to the Conference League. They cannot afford to play carelessly in this tournament, where even mid-tier teams can secure victories against them. It is especially important to maximize points at home to ensure early qualification for the next stage.
I believe the Londoners will be well-prepared for this match. After all, the Dutch team is not a particularly formidable opponent and can be defeated with a confident margin. Alkmaar performs well at home but struggles away. In their last 11 away matches in the Conference League, the club has suffered 7 defeats, conceding at least two goals in each. Their victories in this series have come against relatively weak opponents like Levski, Vaduz, and Santa Coloma.
My prediction: Crystal Palace with a handicap (-1.5)
