Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar: Goals on the Cards at Selhurst Park

On Nov 3, 2025

Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar Preview: Goals Expected in South London

Thursday night football is back at Selhurst Park, and this one’s shaping up nicely. Crystal Palace take on AZ Alkmaar in what should be a lively Conference League tie. Both teams have shown they know how to find the back of the net, and this could turn into a real back-and-forth battle.

Palace got a bit of a jolt last time out in Europe after that frustrating 1-0 home defeat to AEK Larnaca. Roy Hodgson’s men will be eager to bounce back in front of their fans. AZ, on the other hand, have been flying since their own humbling 4-0 loss to AEK earlier in the campaign, stringing together five straight wins since then.

The question now: can Palace regain momentum, or will AZ’s Dutch dynamo attack cause trouble again?

Use of Statistics & Team Form

Let’s dive into the numbers—because they paint a clear picture. AZ Alkmaar have managed to score in 19 of their 20 games this season. That’s some serious consistency. They’ve been ruthless in front of goal, and even when they lose, they rarely blank.

Palace have also been finding their shooting boots lately, netting in eight of their last ten matches in all competitions. At home, they’ve scored in six of their eight games, so they’ll fancy their chances of bagging a few here.

Both teams like to attack, and both tend to leave space at the back. That’s usually a recipe for goals, and the “both teams to score” market looks like a strong starting point for this one.

Expert Tipsters’ Insight

Our tipsters reckon this game won’t disappoint if you’re backing goals. Palace are slowly hitting stride after a rocky start, while AZ look sharp and confident.

Rather than picking a winner outright, the value seems to lie in both teams finding the net. It’s hard to see either side keeping a clean sheet with the way they’ve been playing. Palace will try to use the home crowd’s energy, but AZ’s pace and fluid passing could easily unlock them.

A 2-1 scoreline in Palace’s favor feels realistic, but expect some nervy moments at the back.

Head-to-Head Record

This is a relatively fresh matchup, with not much history between the two sides. That adds a bit of intrigue, as neither team really knows what to expect from the other.

AZ’s style is quick, direct, and very Dutch—lots of possession and overlapping full-backs. Palace, meanwhile, rely on physicality and fast breaks through their wingers. It’s a clash of styles that could produce some fireworks.

If we look purely at form, AZ might have the slight edge in momentum, but Palace’s recent wins against Liverpool and Brentford show they’re turning things around.

Wide Betting Market Coverage

For bettors, this matchup offers a bit of everything. You can find value across several markets:

Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Strong pick based on form.
Over 2.5 Goals: With two attacking sides, goals seem inevitable.
Correct Score (2-1 Palace): A realistic shot if Palace edge it.
Anytime Goalscorer: Jean-Philippe Mateta looks tempting here.

AZ are unlikely to sit back, which should make for an open, fast-paced game with chances at both ends.

No Fixed Matches – Just Smart Predictions

Let’s be clear—there are no fixed matches here. What we do is analyze form, stats, and context to give logical, data-backed insights. The idea is to make smart predictions, not wild guesses.

So, if you’re betting, focus on the evidence: Palace’s improving form, AZ’s attacking streak, and both teams’ scoring trends. That’s the real edge—not rumors or “inside info.”

Team News and Key Updates

Crystal Palace are expected to stick with a strong lineup after their morale-boosting cup win over Liverpool and weekend victory over Brentford. Jean-Philippe Mateta should start again—he’s got six goals in ten league games and ended a short drought last time out.

Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise might also feature, giving Palace some real creativity going forward.

AZ Alkmaar will bring their full-strength side too. Expect players like Vangelis Pavlidis and Dani de Wit to play major roles. The Dutch side have been relentless in attack lately, and Pavlidis in particular is in red-hot form.

Players to Watch

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace): The French striker is confident again and could easily add to his tally.
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace): A constant threat on the ball, capable of unlocking defenses.
Vangelis Pavlidis (AZ Alkmaar): AZ’s top scorer and main danger man up front.
Dani de Wit (AZ Alkmaar): Links midfield and attack brilliantly, often arriving late in the box.

If any of these players hit form on the night, expect goals and drama.

Match Prediction

Based on everything—stats, form, and team confidence—this one feels like a tight but entertaining match. Palace have the edge at home, and their recent wins will give them belief.

Predicted Score: Crystal Palace 2 – 1 AZ Alkmaar

Expect Palace to start strong, AZ to respond, and the game to open up. A late winner wouldn’t surprise anyone.

Betting Tips

Both Teams to Score – Yes
Over 2.5 Goals
Correct Score: 2-1 to Crystal Palace
Anytime Scorer: Jean-Philippe Mateta

If you’re looking for a bit of extra value, you could even combine BTTS with Over 2.5 goals in a single bet.

Final Thoughts

This Conference League clash should be a treat for neutrals and bettors alike. Both sides are in decent nick, both can score, and neither are great at keeping clean sheets. Expect a lively game under the lights at Selhurst Park, with plenty of end-to-end action.

Palace fans will hope their side keeps the momentum going, while AZ won’t go down quietly—they’re too good for that. Either way, goals seem guaranteed.