Middlesbrough vs Crystal Palace Predictions

Two sides who could very well swap places in the football pyramid meet on Wednesday in the League Cup. Middlesbrough are pushing for promotion to the top flight, but they put that on hold to host Crystal Palace this week. The visitors were expected to have a solid, mid-table campaign along with a decent showing in the cups. However, a mixed run has brought eight points from 10 games this season, and the Eagles are worryingly close to the relegation zone. Will they forget their troubles here, and pick up their form from their league campaign?

Middlesbrough drew again at the weekend, having to settle for a point against Derby. That came days after a poor 0-0 draw with Rotherham, which means they’ve passed up two chances to move top of the Championship. They’ve seen their form slow down of late, with one win in their last four games. Their early season form suggested that Tony Pulis was going to make a return to the Premier League in a year’s time, and meet his former side Palace. While there are still question marks around their promotion challenge, he can get one over his former side on Wednesday.

Crystal Palace come into this game on the back of a 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday. That point saw them end a three game losing run, which put them in relegation danger. Roy Hodgson’s side did rally at the weekend, and they ended Arsenal’s 11 game winning run. Given the impact the former England boss had when he arrived at Selhurst Park last season, he should guide them to safety. One area where they can improve on the previous campaign is in the cups, so can Palace move into the League Cup quarter-finals here?

While Palace may look for progress here, Middlesbrough are likely to take risks. Tony Pulis has made a clear choice to focus on the league, given the riches on offer for promotion to the Premier League. The club should be battling for the automatic positions this season, so the hosts are likely to save themselves for a visit to Stoke on Saturday.

So far this season Boro have taken chances with team selection in the cup, and their record is less than stellar. They drew 3-3 at home to Notts County in the first round, progressing on penalties. They narrowly beat League One Rochdale, and then won on penalties against Championship strugglers Preston in the last round. Meanwhile, Palace have won back to back games against Championship opposition, without conceding a goal. With Boro scoring once in four at home, we see them coming up short going forward, while Palace’s Premier League quality can put them through.