Zrinjski vs Crystal Palace: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 19 February 2026
One of the playoff round matches in the Conference League will take place on Thursday in Mostar, where Zrinjski will host London’s Crystal Palace at the Pod Bijelim Brijegom Stadium. The Bosnian champions are traditionally a force at home, while the English side arrive amid a prolonged slump in form. Here’s a bet on the outcome of this encounter with solid chances for success.
- Also read: Panathinaikos vs Viktoria Plzen: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 19 February 2026
Match preview
Igor Štimac’s side barely scraped into the playoffs – seven points from six group matches and 23rd place in the table. The decisive point came in a 1-1 draw with Rapid Vienna, thanks to an own goal in the 90th minute; earlier, Zrinjski had defeated Lincoln (5-0) and Häcken (2-1). In 2026, the Bosnians have already claimed two clean-sheet victories but suffered a painful defeat in a key clash against Mostar (0-3).
Injuries remain a serious issue: first-choice centre-back Slobodan Jakovljević and captain, top scorer Nemanja Bilbija, are both sidelined. However, Zrinjski traditionally transform at home – their entire group stage points tally was earned in Mostar, and in recent years even top-league teams have slipped up here, including a draw with Aston Villa (1-1).
The Londoners are enduring a lengthy downturn: since thrashing Shelbourne 3-0 in December, they have managed just one win in 14 official matches. That stretch included a draw with Finnish side KuPS (2-2) and a string of domestic defeats. Even in their most recent away games, Palace have been limited to just a single goal – this has been the case in six of their last seven outings.
Adding to their woes is a shortage of centre-forwards. Nketiah and Mateta are injured, and Chrysanthus Uche is not registered for the competition, so all hopes rest on new signing Jørgen Strand Larsen, who recently bagged a brace against Burnley (2-3). Meanwhile, defensive lapses remain a problem, hardly inspiring confidence ahead of a tough trip to Bosnia.
Probable lineups
- Zrinjski: Karačić, Mamić, Dujmović, Barišić, Vranjković, Surdanović, Đurasek, Nalić, Čuze, Mikić, Majić
- Crystal Palace: Henderson, Lerma, Richards, Lacroix, Hughes, Kamada, Muñoz, Mitchell, Sarr, Johnson, Strand Larsen
Match facts and head-to-head
- Zrinjski earned all seven of their Conference League group stage points at home.
- Crystal Palace have won just one of their last 14 official matches in all competitions.
- The London side have scored exactly one goal in six of their last seven away fixtures.
Prediction
Zrinjski know how to grind out results on their own turf and have already proven capable of springing surprises against Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace are struggling and lack firepower up front, which could prove decisive. Expect a cagey affair with few chances – and possibly a narrow home win by a single goal margin.
