Crystal Palace vs. AZ Alkmaar Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips

A fascinating tactical battle is set to unfold at Selhurst Park on Thursday, November 6, 2025, as Crystal Palace welcomes Dutch contenders AZ Alkmaar for a UEFA Europa Conference League clash. This fixture pits Palace’s disciplined, structured approach against AZ’s energetic, attack-minded philosophy, creating a compelling contest for fans and bettors alike. This preview will guide you through the teams’ current form, tactical setups, and the most valuable betting tips for the match.

Match Overview and Team News

The upcoming European fixture presents a classic clash of styles. Crystal Palace, under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, has built its success on a foundation of defensive solidity and efficiency, particularly on home turf. In contrast, AZ Alkmaar, under Pascal Jansen, has developed a reputation for an aggressive, high-volume shooting approach that has overwhelmed many opponents this season.

• Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League
• Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 20:00 UTC
• Venue: Selhurst Park, London

Probable Lineups

The team news suggests both sides will field strong lineups for this crucial European encounter.

Crystal Palace is expected to set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation :

• Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
• Defenders: Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi
• Midfielders: Daniel Muñoz, Jefferson Lerma, Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell
• Attackers: Yéremy Pino, Edward Nketiah, Jean-Philippe Mateta

AZ Alkmaar is likely to employ their familiar 4-3-3 system :

• Goalkeeper: Rome Jayden Owusu-Oduro
• Defenders: Denso Kasius, Wouter Goes, Alexandre Penetra, Mees de Wit
• Midfielders: Jordy Clasie, Kees Smit, Dave Kwakman
• Attackers: Weslley Patati, Isak Steiner Jensen, Ibrahim Sadiq

Recent Form and Performance Analysis

Analyzing the recent trajectory of both teams reveals a stark contrast in their approaches and results heading into this match.

Crystal Palace’s Measured Approach

Crystal Palace arrives with a somewhat inconsistent run of form, having secured 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses in their last six matches across all competitions. Their style is characterized by control rather than chaos. In these recent games, they have averaged 13.17 total shots and 4.67 shots on target per match, while maintaining an average of 47.83% possession. This points to a team that picks its moments carefully, resulting in relatively tight games; they have scored 1.5 goals and conceded 1.17 per game on average during this period.

Their home form in all competitions shows resilience, with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last three at Selhurst Park, scoring 1.67 and conceding 1.33 per game. A broader view of their home performance is even more impressive; they are unbeaten in 80% of their last 30 home matches and have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 15 fixtures in front of their own fans.

AZ Alkmaar’s Attacking Surge

AZ Alkmaar’s form presents a compelling case. They have been in exceptional shape, securing 5 wins and suffering just 1 loss from their last six outings in all competitions. Their attacking metrics are particularly eye-catching, averaging a whopping 19 total shots and 7.83 on target per match. This high-volume approach has yielded 1.67 goals scored and 1 goal conceded per game over the same span.

Their current streak stands at 5 wins and 5 matches unbeaten in all competitions, showcasing a team riding a wave of confidence. Despite this overall strong form, their start to the Conference League group stage has been less convincing, with a goal difference of 1 goal for and 4 against, indicating some early struggles in this specific competition.

Table: Recent Form Comparison (Last 6 Matches)

Tactical Breakdown and Key Battles

The outcome of this match will likely be determined by which team can successfully impose their preferred style of play on the game.

• Midfield Control vs. Transition Chaos: The duel between Palace’s central midfield pairing of Jefferson Lerma and Adam Wharton against AZ’s trio of Clasie, Smit, and Kwakman will be pivotal. Palace will seek to control the tempo and disrupt AZ’s rhythm, while the Dutch side will try to use their dynamic midfield to launch quick attacks and create overloads.
• Palace’s Defensive Structure vs. AZ’s Wide Threats: AZ’s 4-3-3 formation relies heavily on its wingers, Patati and Sadiq, to create chances. They will be up against Palace’s wing-backs, Muñoz and Mitchell, in a battle that could define the game. If Palace’s back three can maintain its discipline and the wing-backs can nullify AZ’s wide attackers, the home side will significantly blunt AZ’s most dangerous weapon.
• Set-Piece Advantage: Crystal Palace has leaned on its set-piece strength as a key part of its attacking strategy. Against an AZ side that has shown some defensive vulnerability in the Conference League, dead-ball situations could provide Palace with their clearest opportunities to score.

Betting Tips and Predictions

Based on the analysis of form, tactics, and statistical data, here are the most insightful betting tips for the match.

Value Betting Tips

1. Both Teams to Score: Yes. This appears to be a strong selection for this fixture. AZ Alkmaar have scored in 19 of their 20 games this season, demonstrating a remarkable consistency in finding the net. While Palace are strong at home, they have seen both teams score in four of their last seven home games. Given AZ’s potent attack and Palace’s improved form, goals at both ends are a likely outcome.
2. Jean-Philippe Mateta to Score Anytime. The French striker is central to Palace’s attacking plans. He has six goals in ten Premier League games this season and was on the scoresheet in their recent win over Brentford, ending a brief goal drought. He is a physical presence who will likely get chances against an AZ defense that can be breached.

Match Result and Correct Score Prediction

While AZ Alkmaar are in formidable form, Crystal Palace’s home resilience makes them slight favourites. They are unbeaten in 80% of their last 30 home matches, a statistic that underscores their strength at Selhurst Park. One prediction model gives Palace a 38% probability of winning the match.

AZ’s overall form is impressive, but their specific performances in the Conference League have been less convincing, including a heavy 4-0 loss to AEK Larnaca. Palace, meanwhile, seems to have turned a corner with a win over Liverpool in the EFL Cup and a league victory against Brentford.

Considering all factors, a narrow victory for Crystal Palace is the most probable outcome. A 2-1 correct score prediction offers excellent value, reflecting Palace’s ability to score at home and AZ’s persistent goal threat, which makes a clean sheet for the hosts unlikely.

Table: Summary of Betting Tips and Odds

Conclusion

The Conference League clash between Crystal Palace and AZ Alkmaar promises to be a captivating tactical duel. Crystal Palace’s pragmatic, structured approach will be severely tested by AZ Alkmaar’s high-tempo, volume-shooting game.

For bettors, the best value appears to lie in backing goals. The “Both Teams to Score” market is strongly supported by the statistics, and a 2-1 victory for Crystal Palace is a compelling correct score prediction, balancing their home advantage with AZ’s attacking prowess. While the Dutch side’s form is intimidating, Palace’s proven resilience at Selhurst Park should ultimately see them through in a tightly-contested match.