Supercomputer predicts Conference League winner after Crystal Palace get round of 16 opponent
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Credit: Imago Sat 28 February 2026 10:08, UK Crystal Palace have been heavily tipped to win the Conference League this season after their progression into the round of 16.The Eagles have been far from convincing in Europe this season after failing to reach the top eight in the league stage and only narrowly getting past Zrinjski Mostar in the knockout playoffs.Nevertheless, Palace are in the round of 16 and will have to get past AEK Larnaca FC if they want to progress into the semi-finals.Now, after Friday’s draw, Opta on 28 February have claimed Oliver Glasner’s side are comfortable favourites, with a 33.53 per cent chance of winning the competition.Tickets for the first leg against AEK Larnaca will go on sale to supporters from 10:00 GMT tomorrow.Season Ticket holders have until 17:30 GMT on Monday 2nd March to secure their normal seat 👇— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) February 27, 2026 Read more: Daniel Munoz responds to Evann Guessand announcement at Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace are the favourites to win the Conference LeagueIn recent weeks, Palace have been struggling.Glasner had been under heavy pressure, despite announcing that he would leave Selhurst Park in the summer due to a terrible run of form.Relegation fears had heightened among the fanbase.
However, victories over Brighton and Wolves have now seen this be extinguished. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES With there being an indication that the Eagles are returning to form, this has been shown in Opta’s predictions.— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) February 27, 2026 The supercomputer insists that Palace have an 82.92 per cent chance of reaching the quarter-finals and a 65.59 per cent chance of reaching the semi-final of the Conference League.Their odds of reaching the final are also extremely high at 48.03 per cent.Read more: Robbie Keane ‘walks out’ after Celtic and Crystal Palace manager twistsWho else could win the Europa Conference League?Currently, the second favourite to win the competition is French side Strasbourg at 12.28 per cent.Led by former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, current Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior had been in charge at the start of the campaign before he made the switch to Stamford Bridge.Both Strasbourg and Palace are on opposite sides of the draw, meaning the earliest they can meet each other is the final.Following this is Rayo Vallecano at 9.97 per cent, with AEK Athens also being within a shout at 8.76 per cent.A potential outsider is seen as Sparta Prague at 6.27 per cent.
The Czech side have continued to impress in Europe this season, and finished fourth during the league phase.However, it remains to be seen who will win the competition, with it being clear that Palace are the comfortable favourites as it stands.