Crystal Palace welcome Middlesbrough to Selhurst Park on Tuesday evening as they begin their League Cup campaign in the third round.
The Eagles arrive with some momentum after finally claiming their first Premier League victory of the season.
Palace boss Pierre Sage now faces a decision. He wants to go far in this competition, but changes are expected with players feeling the effects of a demanding weekend.
Match preview
Palace reached the quarter-finals of this competition last season and were only denied a place in the last four by Arsenal on penalties.
Sage hinted that keeping his players fresh will be a priority after admitting several of his men were exhausted following the weekend win over Fulham.
However, the Frenchman does not believe in wholesale changes as excessive rotation can affect coordination.
Kim Hellberg’s side have made an impressive start to the Championship campaign, winning three of their opening five matches (D1, L1).
Boro defeated Doncaster Rovers 3-1 in the second round of the League Cup.
Palace will need to approach this tie seriously if they are to avoid an early exit.
Match stats
Middlesbrough’s last meeting with Palace came in this competition in 2018, when they secured a 1-0 victory.
That is their only win in the last four meetings between the sides, with Palace taking the previous three.
The Eagles have been remarkably strong against Boro at Selhurst Park over the long term.
Crystal Palace team news
Adam Wharton and Chris Richards are among the players likely to make way.
Cheick Doucoure is set to feature. The 26-year-old returned to the squad against Fulham for the first time since January 2025. Will Hughes could partner him in midfield.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is another likely starter, while Jorgen Strand Larsen should lead the attack following Eddie Nketiah’s injury.
Dwight McNeil and Evann Guessand were left out at the weekend after disappointing Sage against Manchester City. They could have a chance to respond here.
Crystal Palace predicted starting XI (3-4-2-1)
Walter Benitez; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Axel Disasi, Jaydee Canvot; Anan Khalaili, Cheick Doucoure, Will Hughes, Ben Chilwell; Dario Osorio, Evann Guessand; Jorgen Strand Larsen.
