Predicted 4-3-3 Crystal Palace XI to face Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup
Crystal Palace put an end to their dismal home record with a 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday. Luka Milivojevic’s strike from the penalty spot handed the Eagles their first goal at home this season.
Roy Hodgson will have plenty of positives to take from the clash against Arsenal and might consider himself a bit unlucky not to have claimed all three points.
However, they will be the strong favourites when they face Championship outfit Middlesbrough in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
The Eagles beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0 in the previous round of the Carabao Cup and will fancy their chances of progressing to the last eight.
Team News
Veteran centre-back Scott Dann and Christian Benteke continue their recovery from long-term knee injuries while Joel Ward is also sidelined with a muscular injury.
Roy Hodgson will be expected to rotate his squad given that Palace have a tough fixture coming up in the Premier League against Chelsea.
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Predicted XI
Wayne Hennesey (GK)
He has put in some solid shifts between the sticks and Hodgson should persist with him for the Carabao Cup tie.
Martin Kelly (RB)
He didn’t look particularly comfortable in the earlier stages of the Premier League but Hodgson should consider resting Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the Carabao Cup game.
Jairo Riedewald (CB)
The Dutchman has found it difficult to displace the centre-back pairing of Tomkins and Sakho but is likely to start on Wednesday.
Mamadou Sakho (CB)
Barring a few bizarre moments of lapses in concentration, the Frenchman has done a decent job for the Eagles at the back this season.
Patrick van Aanholt (LB)
The former Chelsea man has been in good form this season and Palace will need another good performance from him on Wednesday.
Cheikhou Kouyate (CDM)
The Senegalese international put in a solid shift in central midfield against Arsenal. His strength and aerial ability in a valuable asset to the Eagles in the centre of the pitch.
Max Meyer (RAM)
The German hasn’t had much playtime in the Premier League but this will be a good opportunity for him to strengthen his claims of getting more first-team action.
Jeffrey Schlupp (LAM)
He didn’t start against Arsenal but Hodgson should hand him a start in the Carabao Cup game as his pace is always a valuable asset to the team.
Andros Townsend (RW)
The England international had a good game against Arsenal and he will be expected to provide that impetus to the attack once again on Wednesday.
Jason Puncheon (LW)
The veteran has fallen out of favour in the Premier League but Hodgson must rest Wilfried Zaha for the Carabao Cup tie.
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Alexander Sorloth (ST)
The youngster hasn’t scored but has shown signs of promise in the Premier League. This will be a good opportunity for him to make an impact.
