Crystal Palace – AEK Larnaca: Revenge hangs over Selhurst Park 
Selhurst Park is gasping for payback this Thursday. Crystal Palace welcome AEK Larnaca for the first leg of the last 16, and the Palace squad won’t have forgotten a nasty memory — the Cypriots nicked a 1-0 win on this pitch five months ago during the group stage. On paper you’ve got one of the competition favorites up against one of Europe’s most stubborn defenses. Tension guaranteed.
The Eagles’ timely bounce before Europe 
Crystal Palace’s European run has been patchy from the off. Crystal Palace finished tenth in the initial phase and had to scrap through the play-offs against Zrinjski Mostar. The recent, convincing win over Tottenham in the Premier League has reignited them and shoved relegation talk to the back pages for now. Oliver Glasner is running out of months on the Palace bench and he’ll want a European trophy before he leaves — no half measures. Home form is solid; the only continental slip this season came against these same stubborn Cypriots.
The Cypriot wall heading to England 
AEK Larnaca arrive in London with stats that demand respect. They ended the group phase eighth and are among the last three unbeaten sides left in the competition. Their backline has been almost absurdly tight — just one goal conceded in six European matches. A 3-0 domestic win over Akritas Chlorakas has them sharp and fit for a physical battle. They also want to wipe the slate clean after that heavy exit to West Ham two years ago.
Probable line-ups
Crystal Palace : Henderson ; Richards, Lacroix, Riad ; Clyne, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell ; Sarr, Guessand ; Strand Larsen
AEK Larnaca : Alomerovic ; Ekpolo, Milicevic, Saborit, Roberge, Garcia ; Pons, Ledes ; Miramon, Bajic, Ivanovic
Football Prediction Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca
Both teams to score
AEK Larnaca travel to the British capital with a clear psychological edge after that earlier win on this turf. Their compact block frustrates opponents and eats chances for breakfast.
Crystal Palace have found an attacking spark in recent weeks. The desire to take a lead at home and avenge that group-stage loss will force them to open up.
That hunger for a positive result, coupled with Crystal Palace’s attacking quality, should make this far more open than their last meeting — and both nets should rattle.
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