Crystal Palace host AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park tonight for the first leg of their Conference League round of 16 tie, seeking revenge for a 1-0 home defeat to the same rival in the group stage in October.
Oliver Glasner’s side finished 10th in the league stage before beating Zrinjski Mostar 3-1 on aggregate in the play-offs, but their domestic form remains patchy, claiming three wins from their last five but sitting just 10 points above the relegation zone. Glasner, who will leave at the end of the season, has urged his team to learn from that October defeat, describing Larnaca as “a compact and experienced team”.
AEK Larnaca are one of only three unbeaten teams left in the Conference League this season (three wins, three draws in the league stage) and have the best defensive record in the competition, with just one goal in six games. The Cypriot team finished eighth in the 36-team table, qualifying directly for the round of 16.
They are also unbeaten in four away games in Europe this season and sit third in the Cypriot First Division, eight points behind the leaders. In a tie where visitors come with genuine faith, new customers can get even more value this week with Betway, getting £40 in free bets after placing a qualifying bet.
Get even more value with Betway
New customers can get this bonus by signing up, depositing £10 or more and placing a qualifying bet of £10 on pairs or more. Once settled, you will receive 4 free bets of £10, two for betmakers and two for accumulators.
As Palace’s European campaign comes to a commercial end, it’s a good time to stock up on gifts. This first leg sets up a big fortnight for Glasner’s team, with a place in the quarter-finals and a potential quarter-final tie on the line.
Can Palace avenge their group stage defeat?
Palace’s European campaign has been defined by defensive resilience at home: they have kept a clean sheet in three of four games at Selhurst Park in this competition, conceding just one goal. Larnaca, however, have scored in five of their six away games in Europe this season, suggesting their approach will not be purely defensive despite that formidable overall record.
- Crystal Palace winner
- Less than 2.5 goals
The key battle will be in midfield, where Adam Wharton and Jefferson Lerma must try to disrupt Larnaca’s rhythm and prevent them from settling into the organized shape that frustrated Palace in October. Glasner’s side have won three of their last four home games by a single goal margin, a pattern that could be repeated here, which could see the hosts eventually break through, but the Cypriots will still put up a fight.
Understanding the offer
How to claim:
- Register as a new Betway customer ahead of Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca (18+, UK only)
- Deposit £10 or more with a debit card
- Place a qualifying bet of at least £10 with equal or greater odds (3/1+ each way)
- Your 4 £10 free bets will be credited after your qualifying bet is settled
You will get:
- 2 free bets of £10 Bet Builder (minimum 4 legs at 3/1+)
- 2 x £10 in Acca free bets (minimum 4 legs at 3/1+)
- Valid for 7 days from credit.
Key terms and conditions of this Betway offer
✅ Qualifying bet must be placed within 7 days of registration
✅Minimum even odds (2.0) apply to qualifying bet
✅ Free bets expire after 7 days
✅ System bets (Lucky 15s, Yankees, etc.) do not qualify
✅ Certain payment methods excluded
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About the author
nathan hill
Nathan Hill is an experienced sports journalist who obsessively follows football, both round ball and American, as well as other sports such as F1, basketball, darts and snooker.
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