The first-leg play-off tie in the 2025/26 Conference League between Zrinjski Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Crystal Palace (England) will take place on 19 February at the Zrinjski Stadium in Mostar. Zrinjski Mostar vs Crystal Palace: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Zrinjski Mostar
Zrinjski Mostar scraped into the play-offs in dramatic fashion, finishing 23rd in the league phase and edging three rivals on tiebreakers. Qualification was secured thanks to a draw in the final round, earned at home against Rapid (1:1), with the crucial goal scored in the 93rd minute. It is also worth noting that in their last five Conference League matches the club have recorded just one win (one draw and three defeats). In addition, Zrinjski Mostar have reached the knockout stage of a European competition for the first time in their history.
- At least one of the two teams failed to score in 7 of the Bosnians’ previous 9 matches in this tournament.
- At home, Zrinjski Mostar have avoided defeat in 9 of their last 12 Conference League matches (7 wins and 2 draws).
- The home team have conceded no more than once in 6 of their previous 7 home matches in this competition.
Potential Zrinjski Mostar Lineup (5-4-1)*
Goran Karacic – Duje Dujmovic, Ilija Masic, Kerim Memija, Petar Mamic, Hrvoje Barisic – Antonio Ivancic, Igor Savic, Leo Mikic, Mario Cuze – Nemanja Bilbija.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are making their European debut this season and reached the play-offs at the first attempt. The team had a great chance to qualify directly for the round of 16, but in the final round they somehow drew with KuPS at home (2:2). As a result, the English side were two points short of finishing eighth. It is also worth noting that Crystal Palace scored 11 goals, the fourth-best attacking return in the Conference League league phase.
- At least three goals were scored in each of their previous four matches in this tournament.
- Crystal Palace have avoided defeat in 6 of their last 8 Conference League matches (4 wins and 2 draws).
- The visitors have not lost a single first half in this competition (5 wins and 3 draws).
Potential Crystal Palace Lineup (3-4-3)*
Walter Benitez – George King, Jady Canvot, Jefferson Lerma – Borna Sosa, Dean Benamar, Justin Devenny, Kayden Rodney – Joel Drayks-Thomas, Chrysanthus Uche, Romain Esse.
Midfielders Caleb Kropa and Cheick Doucoure, as well as forwards Edward Nketia and Jean-Philippe Mateta, will miss the match through injury.
Referee
Manfredas Lukjancukas (Lithuania)
Matches officiated – 9 (international fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 40;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 11%.
Zrinjski Mostar vs Crystal Palace: Match Prediction
Zrinjski Mostar reaching the play-offs can already be described as a shock. The club are frankly weak and made the top 24 only thanks to a far kinder draw. The side beat only Hacken and Lincoln Red Imps in the league phase, and both of those teams finished outside the qualifying places. Even their only draw came against Rapid, who ultimately ended up bottom.
We would expect that even if the visitors do not win, they should at least deliver a minimum of two accurate strikes. Despite middling numbers for a Premier League representative, it is worth noting that Crystal Palace often used a rotated or experimental XI, placing the emphasis on domestic league performances. In the latter stages of Europe, the London club will surely field their strongest side. It is also worth adding that the English side scored two or more goals in 3 of their previous 4 Conference League matches.
Prediction: Crystal Palace, over 1.5 goals
* For each team, the starting XI from their most recent match in this tournament is listed.
