Crystal Palace vs Zrinjski Mostar: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 26 February 2026
One of the return legs of the UEFA Conference League playoff round will take place on Thursday in London at Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace will host Bosnia's Zrinjski Mostar. After a 1-1 draw in Bosnia, the race for a spot in the Round of 16 remains wide open, but the English side enters the match as favorites. My tip: expect goals in this clash.
- Also read: AZ Alkmaar vs Noah Yerevan: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 26 February 2026
Match preview
This is the Eagles' first ever European campaign, and their opening encounter in Mostar was a tense affair. Oliver Glasner’s men controlled over 70% possession, took the lead through Ismaïla Sarr just before halftime, but faltered at the start of the second half, allowing Karlo Abramović to equalize – 1-1. With just two wins in their last 16 matches in all competitions, the pressure on the manager remains high, and fans have already voiced their frustration.
However, Palace secured a crucial Premier League victory over Wolves (1-0) at the weekend, which eased tensions somewhat. The Londoners now sit 13th in the Premier League, ten points clear of the relegation zone, allowing them to focus on Europe. At home in the Conference League, the Eagles have lost just one of their four matches – the Selhurst Park factor could prove decisive.
The Bosnian champions delivered a disciplined and patient performance in the first leg to keep the tie alive. Igor Štimac’s side capitalized on Palace’s drop-off after the break and scored at the first real opportunity. For the club, this is a historic chance to reach the last 16 of a major European competition for the first time.
However, their away record in this tournament is frankly alarming – six defeats in six Conference League away games and not a single goal scored. Zrinjski are also struggling domestically: a 0-3 loss to Borac and a 1-1 draw with Široki Brijeg have left them six points off top spot in the Bosnian league. Adding to their woes, star striker Nemanja Bilbija, who has missed the last five matches, remains a doubt.
Probable lineups
- Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Muñoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Johnson, Sarr; Strand Larsen.
- Zrinjski Mostar: G. Karačić; Vranjković, Barišić, Dujmović, Savić, Mamić; Ivančić, Durašek; Abramović, Čuže, Mikić.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, with Crystal Palace enjoying overwhelming territorial dominance.
- Zrinjski have lost all six of their Conference League away matches, failing to score a single goal.
- Palace have won one of their last two matches in all competitions – a 1-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League.
Prediction
Despite their inconsistency and the pressure surrounding Glasner, Crystal Palace remain the more talented and deeper squad. Zrinjski can put up a fight with their discipline, but poor away form and attacking personnel issues drastically reduce their chances of an upset. Expect the hosts to get the job done and claim victory.
