Crystal Palace host AZ Alkmaar in third Conference League group game

Crystal Palace will attempt to arrest a brief slump in European competition when they host AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening, kick off 8pm UK time, in the third match of the UEFA Conference League group stage. Both clubs arrive on one win and one defeat from two group matches, and a victory for either side would significantly improve their position in the early standings.

Palace's mood was dented by a shock 1-0 home loss to AEK Larnaca in their last Conference League outing, following an opening-day victory over Dynamo Kyiv. Manager Oliver Glasner has overseen a response in domestic competition, with back-to-back wins including a 2-0 Premier League victory over Brentford and a 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Liverpool. Glasner described the Brentford result as "a great win and a very important win," and warned that the schedule and squad fatigue remain factors. He added of Thursday's opponents, "There is never a must win. Yes, we want to win, we will do everything to win the game, but Alkmaar is a very experienced team in European football."

Squad news gives Palace a partial boost. Midfielder Adam Wharton trained after overcoming a bout of illness and looks likely to...