Jorgen Strand Larsen believes Crystal Palace should have been 2-0 up at half-time in the first leg of their Conference League last-16 tie against Larnaca.
The Cypriot side held the Eagles to a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park, thwarting Strand Larsen a week after the striker had scored in a 3-1 win at Tottenham in the Premier League.
“We had belief to score in the second half,” said the £48 million signing from Wolves in February. “But we didn’t want to take too much risk because we know that they have quality as well.
“We felt like we deserved to win. Personally, I feel like we’re creating quite a lot. As a striker, that’s bang on what I want. That’s exactly how I want to play.”
Larnaca drew for the fourth time in this season’s Conference League and are unbeaten, having won their other three matches and only conceded once in their campaign.
“We know that it is one of the most important games for AEK and its history – perhaps for Cyprus, as well,” said center-back Hrvoje Milicevic, via Larnaca’s website.
“We all know what to expect and that [Palace] remain the favourites. We now have a better chance of qualifying than seven days ago.
“It will definitely be difficult to qualify but it is not impossible. We know they are a team from the Premier League, have amazing quality and are favourites to win the Conference League. Let’s focus on our own game and plan.”
Milicevic hopes the AEK Arena, which has a capacity of slightly more than 8,000, will be full.
“This team deserves it,” added the Bosnia and Herzegovina international. “Let them help us. It is important for everyone.”
AEK Larnaca v Crystal Palace team news
Left-back Yahav Gurfinkel, left-winger Youssef Amyn and midfielders Giorgos Naoum and Jimmy Suarez are injured for Larnaca.
Godswill Ekpolo and Milicevic will incur European suspensions if they are booked.
Wideman Daniel Munoz (shoulder), midfielder Cheick Doucoure (knee) and striker Eddie Nketiah (hamstring) are out for Palace.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson will be assessed after missing the 0-0 draw at home to Leeds United on Saturday with a fever.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been building up his minutes from the bench as the talismanic forward continues his return from a knee issue.
