Team News
Manchester United will monitor the condition of Sergio Reguilon after the left-back was substituted late in their match against Burnley on Saturday due to illness. His availability for the midweek clash remains uncertain. Sofyan Amrabat, who made his debut as a late substitute at Turf Moor, could now be in line for his first start in central midfield. Altay Bayindir may also make his debut in goal, while Christian Eriksen, Facundo Pellistri, Anthony Martial, and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to be among several changes to the starting lineup on Tuesday.
Erik ten Hag will assess the fitness of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and Mason Mount ahead of the match, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, and Amad Diallo are all confirmed absentees. Meanwhile, Antony and Jadon Sancho remain sidelined due to personal reasons.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, will be without Michael Olise, Matheus Franca, Jefferson Lerma, James Tomkins, and Naouirou Ahamada, all of whom are sidelined through injury. Roy Hodgson is expected to rotate his squad, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi among those likely to start. Chris Richards, Rob Holding, Nathaniel Clyne, and Jairo Riedewald could also come into the side, while former Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is set to make his debut for Palace against his former club.
Form Guide
Crystal Palace have never won the EFL Cup, and their best achievements in major cup competitions remain their two FA Cup final appearances in 1989-90 and 2015-16, losing to Manchester United on both occasions. The Eagles have already progressed in this season’s EFL Cup, securing a 4-2 win over Plymouth Argyle to advance to the third round.
Palace have made a steady start to their 2023-24 Premier League campaign, recording two wins, two draws, and two losses from their opening six matches. With eight points on the board, they currently sit ninth in the league standings, just one point and one position behind Manchester United. Their recent form includes a 3-1 away defeat to Aston Villa on September 16, followed by a goalless draw at home to Fulham last Saturday. Palace now face back-to-back visits to Old Trafford, where they have tasted success in recent years, most notably with a 3-1 victory in September 2020. However, United claimed a 2-1 win in the same fixture last season.
Predicted Outcome
Manchester United’s recent victory over Burnley provided a much-needed boost, and the mood around the club should be more positive going into this fixture. With both managers expected to rotate their squads, United’s depth and home advantage are likely to see them progress to the next round. We predict a 3-1 win for Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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