Zrinjski vs Crystal Palace Prediction - UEFA Europa Conference League: An Away Challenge

00:45 February 20 - UEFA Europa Conference League

Zrinjski are preparing to host Crystal Palace, a representative from the English Premier League, in a crucial UEFA Europa Conference League match. The game will take place at the Stadion pod Bijelim Brijegom, where the home team is hoping to spring a surprise against an opponent considered superior in terms of class and squad strength.

Analyze current position and form.

In the overall standings, Crystal Palace are currently in 10th place with 10 points after 8 matches. The Premier League team is maintaining relatively stable form with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Their defensive strength is a major advantage, having conceded only 6 goals (an average of 0.8 goals per game).

Conversely, the home team Zrinjski is currently in 23rd place with 7 points. Their form in the last 5 matches is 2 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. The home team is showing vulnerability in defense, having conceded 10 goals in 6 matches (an average of 1.7 goals per game), an alarming figure when facing the speedy and skillful forwards from England.

Attacking strength and home advantage

Crystal Palace have shown a fairly good scoring performance with an average of 1.5 goals per game (a total of 12 goals in 8 games). The balance between attack and defense makes this team a difficult opponent to beat, especially after they have secured 2 away wins this season.

As for Zrinjski, although their defense isn't great, their attack still knows how to score, averaging 1.3 goals per game. Notably, both of Zrinjski's wins this season have come at home. This is the biggest morale boost for the Bosnian representative, giving them hope for a favorable result against Crystal Palace.

Team situation and tactical forecast

Good news for both clubs as their current squads are reportedly at full strength. Neither Zrinjski nor Crystal Palace have any significant absences due to injury or suspension. This promises a tactically balanced match, where Crystal Palace will likely take the initiative in controlling possession, while Zrinjski will opt for a defensive counter-attacking style, relying on the support of their home crowd.

Expert opinion

Crystal Palace are considered slightly more likely to win, with a 45% chance due to their superior squad quality. However, a draw is also considered a 45% chance, given Zrinjski's home advantage and the intense nature of away matches in Europe. The home team's chances of causing an upset and securing all three points are only around 10%.

Overall, a draw or a narrow victory for Crystal Palace is the most likely outcome in this match.

Team lineup updated at 00:15 on February 20, 2026.

Official lineup

Zrinjski

Diagram: 4-2-3-1

CoachIgor Stimac

Starting lineup:

• 18. Goran Karačić (G)
• 19. Marko Vranjković (D)
• 4. Hrvoje Barišić (D)
• 12. Petar Mamić (D)
• 55. Duje Dujmović (D)
• 30. Neven Durasek (M)
• 21. Igor Savić (M)
• 77. Karlo Abramović (M)
• 20. Antonio Ivančić (M)
• 9. Leo Mikić (M)
• 25. Mario Ćuže (F)

Substitutes:

• 32. Tin Sajko
• 1. Matej Bogdan
• 6. David Karačić
• 50. Kerim Memija
• 5. Dan Lagumdžija
• 14. Matej Šakota
• 42. Marijan Ćavar
• 23. Stefano Surdanović
• 22. Adi Nalić
• 90. Toni Majić
• 11. Tomi Jurić
• 15. Antonio Arapovic

Crystal Palace

Diagram: 3-4-3

CoachOliver Glasner

Starting lineup:

• 1. Dean Henderson (G)
• 26. Chris Richards (D)
• 5. Maxence Lacroix (D)
• 34. Chadi Riad (D)
• 2. Daniel Muñoz (M)
• 20. Adam Wharton (M)
• 18. Daichi Kamada (M)
• 24. Borna Sosa (M)
• 7. Ismaïla Sarr (F)
• 22. Jørgen Strand Larsen (F)
• 11. Brennan Johnson (F)

Substitutes:

• 44. Walter Benítez
• 31. Remi Matthews
• 17. Nathaniel Clyne
• 23. Jaydee Canvot
• 3. Tyrick Mitchell
• 10. Yéremy Pino
• 42. Kaden Rodney
• 19. Will Hughes
• 55. Justin Davenny
• 29. Evann Guessand
• 59. Rio Cardines