Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough – Predicted lineup and team news

Crystal Palace welcome Middlesbrough to Selhurst Park for their EFL Cup third-round clash on Tuesday, riding the momentum of their first Premier League win of the season.

After a shaky start under new boss Pierre Sage—losing back-to-back league games against Everton and Manchester City—Palace finally got off the mark with an exciting 3-2 comeback win at Fulham. Tyrick Mitchell produced a surprise two-goal display, and Ben Chilwell, coming off the bench, struck late to seal the victory and lift spirits heading into this cup opener.

With Europa League fixtures on the horizon, Sage is expected to shuffle his lineup heavily.

Forward Eddie Nketiah remains out, and Ismaila Sarr is also unavailable because of a groin problem. In their place, Jørgen Strand Larsen is the likely pick to lead the attack at Selhurst Park.

To keep key players fresh for upcoming league duties, Sage is very likely to leave Adam Wharton and centre-back Chris Richards on the sidelines.

That opens spots for squad players and newer faces. Midfielder Will Hughes is in contention to start in the middle, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben Chilwell are both strongly expected to appear in defence, giving Palace a refreshed but seasoned backline for this tie.

Possible starting XI: Benitez; Tomiyasu, Disasi, Canvot; Khalaili, Doucoure, Hughes, Chilwell; Osorio, Mingueza; Strand Larsen

The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Tuesday, 8th September.

In the United Kingdom, the Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough Carabao Cup third-round match will be shown live on Sky Sports+.