Crystal Palace is gearing up for a decisive match against Zrinjski Mostar in the UEFA Conference League Play-Off 2nd leg, scheduled for Thursday at 20:00. The stakes are high as Palace aims to turn around its fortunes following a difficult stretch marked by player departures and injuries.
Under the management of Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace initially saw success with qualification for the Europa League and an FA Cup victory, elevating his status among fans. However, the loss of key players like Eberechi Eze to Arsenal and Marc Gheui to Manchester City has led to a dip in performance for the team. Additionally, an injury to Jean-Philippe Mateta, who had prospects for a transfer to AC Milan, further compounded the challenges faced by Palace this winter.
Fan sentiment has soured recently, particularly after Glasner suggested supporters “stay humble” during a long winless spell, which resulted in some fans booing him during a narrow victory against Wolves. As Palace seeks to redeem themselves, they are reminded of their recent 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar, a match that left them with more questions than answers about their current state.
Looking at the performance metrics, Crystal Palace has struggled to assert itself on the field, even against lesser opposition. This leaves many uncertain about their chances to qualify against Zrinjski, especially given Palace’s prior lackluster showings against teams like Fredrikstad and AEK Larnaca.
For those engaging in betting, a cautious approach might be warranted. Zrinjski Mostar offers an interesting proposition with a decent chance of keeping the score within a two or three goal handicap. Betting markets are currently recommending Zrinjski Mostar with a +2 and +3 handicap as potentially profitable options, given Palace’s current form.
As this crucial match approaches, fans will be hoping for a resurgence in performance from Crystal Palace, as they strive to prove the doubters wrong and create a turning point in their season.