Zrinjski Mostar v Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace begin the knockout phase of their Europa Conference League campaign on Thursday evening with a trip to Bosnia-Herzegovina to face Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their play-off tie.

The match will be the first meeting between the clubs, with the winners over two legs progressing to the last 16 ahead of next week’s return fixture at Selhurst Park.

Palace reached this stage after finishing just outside the automatic qualification places in the league phase. The London side collected three wins, two draws and one defeat from six matches, ending their group schedule with a draw against KuPS.

Oliver Glasner’s team have struggled for consistency domestically in recent weeks. A long winless spell across competitions was halted by a 1-0 win away to Brighton, but they followed that result with a disappointing loss to Burnley.

Zrinjski Mostar qualified for the knockout round after a dramatic conclusion to the league phase. A stoppage-time own goal secured a draw with Rapid Vienna, allowing them to advance on goal difference after taking seven points from six matches.

Their strongest display in the competition came in a commanding home victory over Lincoln Red Imps, although they also suffered a heavy away defeat to Dynamo Kyiv earlier in the campaign.

Team news for Zrinjski Mostar v Crystal Palace

Zrinjski have made several changes to their European squad, adding Dan Lagumdzija, Tomi Juric, Toni Majic, Adi Nalic and Tin Sajko, while Antonio Ilic, Darick Kobie Morris and Toma Palic are not included. Toni Sunjic is unavailable due to a knee injury.

Neven Durasek returns after suspension and could start alongside leading scorer Nemanja Bilbija, who has been the club’s most productive attacker this season.

Crystal Palace are without Jean-Philippe Mateta and Cheick Doucoure because of knee injuries, while Eddie Nketiah is sidelined with a thigh problem. Christantus Uche is also not part of the European squad.

January arrivals Brennan Johnson, Jorgen Strand Larsen and Evann Guessand are eligible. Strand Larsen is expected to lead the line again, while several squad players are pushing for starting opportunities.

Expected line-ups for Zrinjski Mostar v Crystal Palace

Zrinjski Mostar: Karacic; Memija, Barisic, Dujmovic, D. Karacic, Mamic; Savic, Durasek; Mikic, Bilbija, Cuze

Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Riad; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Sosa; Johnson, Pino; Strand Larsen