7M - Preview: Zrinjski Mostar vs. Crystal Palace - Team News, Lineups, and Prediction

Posted Wednesday, February 18, 2026 by 7M Sport

Crystal Palace travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night to face Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their UEFA knockout play-off tie. The Eagles, currently navigating a transitional period, are looking to secure a positive result away from home to simplify the return leg at Selhurst Park, while the Bosnian champions hope to pull off a historic upset in front of their passionate home supporters.

The hosts enter this clash as significant underdogs but boast a formidable domestic record. Zrinjski Mostar have proven to be a tough nut to crack at home in European qualifiers, often relying on their physical presence and set-piece efficiency. For Crystal Palace, this competition represents a major opportunity to claim silverware and secure a path back to consistent European football, though their recent away form in the Premier League has been inconsistent.

In terms of team news, Zrinjski Mostar are expected to have a nearly full-strength squad available, with no fresh injury concerns reported following their latest league outing. Crystal Palace, however, continue to manage several key absences. Long-term absentees such as Cheick Doucouré remains sidelined, while there are late fitness tests pending for Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. Manager Oliver Glasner may opt for some rotation, though the importance of an away goal likely means a strong core will remain in the starting eleven.

Zrinjski Mostar are predicted to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Marić in goal; a back four of Ćorluka, Jakovljević, Barišić, and Memija; Ivančić and Canadjija anchoring the midfield; with Ćuže, Kiš, and Malekinušić supporting lone striker Bilbija. Crystal Palace are expected to mirror that setup or opt for a 3-4-2-1, likely starting with Henderson; Munoz, Andersen, Guehi, and Mitchell; Lerma and Wharton in the pivot; with Ayew and Schlupp (or Eze) playing behind Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The prediction for this opening leg points toward a hard-fought contest. While Zrinjski will look to frustrate the visitors and capitalize on the hostile atmosphere, the individual quality within the Palace ranks should eventually tell. A narrow 1-0 or 2-1 victory for Crystal Palace seems the most probable outcome, providing them with a crucial lead to take back to South London, though the Bosnian side's aerial threat remains a genuine concern for the Eagles' defense.

Prediction