[Image] Here’s the predicted 4-3-3 Crystal Palace XI to face Middlesbrough – can the Eagles progress?

Predicted Crystal Palace line-up to face Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup

Crystal Palace will travel to Riverside Stadium to face Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

The Eagles held an in-form Arsenal side to a 2-2 draw at home in the Premier League this weekend and that should give Roy Hodgson’s men a lot of confidence ahead of the League Cup clash.

Middlesbrough, meanwhile, have started the season well and are third in the Championship table just two points adrift of the top spot.

Team News

Joel Ward and Jonny Williams could miss the League Cup game with a muscle injury and a knock respectively. Scott Dann is expected to be fit at the end of next month.

Meanwhile, Christian Benteke continues to remain sidelined.

Probable Crystal Palace XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Roy Hodgson

Vicente Guaita (GK)

Guaita has played both the League Cup games this season and should start against Middlesbrough as well.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)

Wan-Bissaka has been consistent with his performances so far this season. He should retain his place in the starting XI on Wednesday.

James Tomkins (CB)

A no-nonsense defender, Tomkins relishes his duels with physically robust forwards. He should keep his place at the heart of the Palace defence.

Mamadou Sakho (CB)

Cannot be completely relied upon but Sakho has built a strong defensive partnership with Tomkins and could start vs Middlesbrough.

Jeffrey Schlupp (LB)

A versatile player, Schlupp could start at left-back. He is an attacking player who loves to surge forward and contribute to the attack.

Luka Milivojevic (CDM)

Buried two emphatic penalties against Arsenal in the Premier League to give Palace a valuable point at home. Milivojevic is a classy operator of the ball and should start at the base of the midfield trio.

Jason Puncheon (LCM)

Puncheon would add a different dimension to the Palace midfield. His experience would be vital on a boisterous night at Middlesbrough.

Max Meyer (RCM)

Meyer is a brilliant player whose eye for a pass is excellent. He has the ability to dominate games in the midfield.

Wilfried Zaha (LW)

Palace’s most potent weapon, Zaha is the player Middlesbrough would want to keep at bay if they are to win the contest on Wednesday.

Andros Townsend (RW)

Townsend has blown hot and cold this season but it is high time he starts delivering consistent performances to help Palace in the attack.

Alexander Sorloth (ST)

Sorloth could get the nod ahead of Ayew to lead the Palace attack, particularly with the latter putting in a disappointing performance against Arsenal in the league.