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Crystal Palace will host AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League on Thursday. Both teams have a win and a loss from two games thus far.
Palace have seen an uptick in form, winning back-to-back games, including a 2-0 home triumph over Brentford in the Premier League. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in the 30th minute, and their lead was doubled by Nathan Collins' own goal in the second half.
They got their European campaign underway with a win over Dynamo Kyiv but failed to build on that form, as they lost 1-0 to AEK Larnaca in their previous outing.
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The visitors enter the match in great form, having won their last five games in all competitions. They were in action against Sparta Rotterdam in the Eredivisie last week, and Kees Smit's 69th-minute winner helped them register a narrow 1-0 win.
They lost to Larnaca in their Europa League opener but bounced back with a 1-0 win over Slovan Bratislava last time around.
Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams will meet for the first time.
- Palace have kept two clean sheets in their last four games, and they have also failed to score in two of those games.
- AZ have won just three of their 21 meetings against English teams thus far.
- Crystal Palace have suffered just one loss at home in competitive games this season, in the Conference League last month.
- AZ Alkmaar have seen conclusive results in their last seven away games in all competitions, recording five wins.
- The visitors have won their last five games in all competitions, while keeping three clean sheets.
Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar Prediction
The Eagles have won their last two games, scoring five goals without conceding, and will look to build on that form. They have scored at least two goals in four of their last five home games.
Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad Dnanou, and Edward Nketiah remain sidelined with injuries for the hosts.
De Kaasboeren have suffered two defeats across all competitions this season, both of which came on their travels. They have scored 10 goals in their last five games and will look to continue their prolific run here.
Mexx Meerdink and Seiya Maikuma remain sidelined with injuries, while Jordy Clasie is a doubt.
AZ have suffered defeats in all away meetings against English teams thus far. With that in mind, and considering the home advantage for Palace, we back the Eagles to eke out a narrow win.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 AZ Alkmaar
Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Palace to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: Both teams to score - Yes
Tip 4: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
