Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is expected to field a strong starting XI for Thursday’s Europa Conference League clash against AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park, with the match kicking off at 8:00 PM GMT on November 6th, 2025.
The Austrian tactician will deploy his trademark 3-4-2-1 formation that transitions seamlessly into a 5-4-1 defensive shape, a system that has brought structure, intensity, and attacking fluidity to Palace since his arrival. Following impressive victories against Liverpool (3-0) and Brentford (2-0), Glasner is likely to maintain continuity in his selection while managing squad rotation for the European competition.
Crystal Palace Formation and Tactical Setup
Glasner’s Crystal Palace operates in a modern and adaptable 3-4-2-1 system that focuses on structured pressing, vertical passing, and fluid transitions. The back three spreads wide during build-up play to invite pressure and create central passing lanes through midfield, while the wing-backs push high to stretch the width and open half-spaces for the attacking midfielders.
When defending, Palace quickly transforms into a compact 5-4-1 block with the number 10s occupying wider defensive roles and the central forward acting as the first point of defensive contact. This tactical flexibility has made Palace one of the most exciting mid-table sides in the Premier League and well-equipped for European competition.
Crystal Palace Predicted Starting XI (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson is expected to retain his place between the posts after keeping clean sheets in recent victories against Liverpool and Brentford. The experienced England international provides crucial shot-stopping ability and distribution skills essential to Glasner’s build-up play.
Defense: The back three should consist of Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi, and Chris Richards, with Richards having recovered from his calf issue and available for selection. Lacroix’s pace and aggression suit the left center-back role, while captain Guéhi anchors the defense centrally with his leadership and composure. Richards provides athleticism and physicality on the right side of the defensive trio.
Wing-Backs: Daniel Muñoz is set to start at right wing-back, using his energy and attacking instincts to provide width and deliver dangerous crosses into the box. On the opposite flank, Tyrick Mitchell will operate as the left wing-back, offering defensive solidity combined with the ability to overlap and support attacks. Both full-backs cover the length of the pitch to provide balance between defensive responsibilities and attacking contributions.
Midfield: The central midfield pivot will feature Will Hughes alongside either Jefferson Lerma or Daichi Kamada, with Adam Wharton ruled out due to a head injury. Hughes brings experience, passing range, and tactical intelligence to dictate tempo and control transitions between both boxes. His partner will provide the energy and physicality necessary to dominate the midfield battle against AZ Alkmaar.
Attacking Midfielders: Ismaila Sarr and Yeremy Pino are expected to occupy the number 10 positions in the half-spaces, where they thrive with their creativity, technique, and ability to unlock defenses. Pino’s dribbling ability and vision make him a constant threat, while Sarr flair and end product provide another dimension to Palace’s attack. Their movement inside creates overloads and gives the wing-backs room to advance into attacking positions.
Striker: Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the line as the focal point of Palace’s attack, using his physical strength, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing ability. The French forward excels at linking play for runners around him while also providing a goal threat, having scored a hat-trick against Bournemouth earlier this season. With Eddie Nketiah ruled out through injury, Mateta is the undisputed first-choice striker.
Injury & Availability Updates
| Player | Position | Injury | Status | Return Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Wharton | Midfielder | Head/Face Injury | Ruled Out | No Return Date |
| Chadi Riad | Defender | ACL Rupture | Ruled Out | January 1, 2026 |
| Eddie Nketiah | Striker | Muscle Injury | Ruled Out | Unknown |
| Cheick Doucouré | Midfielder | Long-term Injury | Ruled Out | Unknown |
| Chris Richards | Defender | Calf (Recovered) | Available | N/A |
Expected Crystal Palace Lineup
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Henderson
Lacroix Guéhi Richards
Muñoz Hughes Lerma Mitchell
Sarr Pino
Mateta
Key Players to Watch
Mateta will be central to Palace’s attacking strategy, serving as the target man who can hold up play and bring the number 10s into dangerous positions. Pino’s creativity from the left half-space will be crucial in breaking down AZ Alkmaar’s defensive structure, while Muñoz’s overlapping runs down the right flank should stretch the Dutch side’s defense. Captain Guéhi will need to organize the defensive unit effectively to prevent AZ striker Troy Parrott, who has scored six goals in five Conference League appearances, from finding space.
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