Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on September 8, 2026
EFL Cup (Carabao Cup)
In the Round of 32 of the English League Cup on September 8, 2026, Crystal Palace will face Middlesbrough.
Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough team news and expert analysis
The London side won the first trophy in their history in 2025, lifting the FA Cup. Last season, they added two more, winning the Community Shield and the Conference League. However, the architect of all these successes, Glasner, left the project as he had announced. His replacement, Pierre Sage, began life in England with two defeats, but in the latest round his side secured a 3-2 away derby victory over Fulham.
The Riverside club finished fifth last season. They lost to Southampton in the play-offs, but after their opponents were disqualified, they were given another chance against Hull, only to lose that tie as well. In the Championship this season, their results have alternated between victories and dropped points. In the latest round, they secured a 1-0 away win over QPR.
This is the start of the competition for the capital club. Hellberg's side, meanwhile, have already recorded a narrow 1-0 League Cup victory over Wrexham before beating Doncaster 3-1 away from home.
Head to Head matches: Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough
Crystal Palace have won four of their last seven encounters, suffering two defeats.
It seems that they are beginning to find their feet again. We are backing them to win (odds – 1.76).
Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough: key statistics and trends
- Crystal Palace have lost two of their first three matches of the season
- Crystal Palace are averaging 1.33 goals scored and 2.67 conceded per match
- 67% of Crystal Palace's matches have seen both teams score, with an average total of 4.0 goals per game
- Middlesbrough have won three of their last four matches
- Middlesbrough are averaging 1.6 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match
- 80% of Middlesbrough's matches have seen both teams score, with an average total of 2.6 goals per game
Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough: Possible starting lineups
Crystal Palace play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Henderson - Tomiyasu, Richards, Canvo - Mitchell, Kamada, Wharton, Halaili - Pino, Nketiah - Larsen
Middlesbrough play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Vitek - Arfsten, Malanda, Ayling, Brittain - Sarmiento, Morris, Peart-Harris, Berhalter - Lankshear, Whittaker
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow your team's progress in the English League Cup standings
