BetGenius

Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough prediction

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EFL CupEFL Cup
Kickoff
Tue, Sep 8, 06:45 PM
Round
Round of 32
Venue
Selhurst Park, London

Recent form

Crystal Palace
37Poor

Last 5 matches · 2W-0D-3L · -6 goal difference

Middlesbrough
72Strong

Last 5 matches · 3W-1D-1L · +4 goal difference

Our verdict

Solid
Market
Double Chance
Pick
Crystal Palace or Draw
Confidence74%

BetGenius backs Crystal Palace or Draw (Double Chance) at 74% confidence — a solid call. Total goals: Over 2.5 Goals.

Match preview

Crystal Palace host Middlesbrough in the Round of 32 of the EFL Cup, looking to build momentum after securing a 3-2 away victory against Fulham. The Eagles have experienced an up-and-down run of recent results, recording two wins alongside three defeats across their last five matches in all competitions.

Middlesbrough travel to London in dependable form, carrying a four-match unbeaten sequence into this fixture. Their recent run includes away victories over QPR and Doncaster, a home win against West Brom, and a 1-1 draw at Burnley, having found the back of the net in each of their last five outings.

With Crystal Palace contending with the absences of J. Mateta, I. Sarr, and C. Riad, and Middlesbrough missing J. Sarmiento, squad depth will play an important role. Crystal Palace have historically won three of their four home encounters against Middlesbrough, giving them a slight edge on their own ground.

Key factors

  • Crystal Palace have won three of their four historical home matches against Middlesbrough.
  • Middlesbrough enter the match on a four-game unbeaten run, having scored in all of their last five matches.
  • Crystal Palace are coming off a high-scoring 3-2 away victory against Fulham.
  • Crystal Palace will be without J. Mateta, I. Sarr, and C. Riad due to injury.

Team news

Crystal Palace

  • J. MatetaHamstring Injury
  • C. RiadKnee Injury
  • I. SarrGroin Injury

Team news last updated Sep 5 (4 days ago) — later changes may not be reflected.

Middlesbrough

  • J. SarmientoInactive

Team news last updated Sep 5 (4 days ago) — later changes may not be reflected.

Statistical comparison

Crystal Palace at home vs Middlesbrough away
—
Played
1
—
W-D-L
1-0-0
—
Scored /game
—
—
Conceded /game
—
—
Clean sheets
—
—
Failed to score
—
60%
BTTS (last 5)
80%
80%
Over 2.5 (last 5)
60%

Key players this season

Middlesbrough

  • W. Lankshear2G

League scoring and assist totals for this season — not a predicted lineup. Availability is only shown where team news names the same player.

Head-to-head

Full record →
Crystal Palace
4
Draws
1
Middlesbrough
3

Crystal Palace have won 4 of the last 8 meetings, averaging 2.1 goals a game.

  • 2018-10-31Middlesbrough 1-0 Crystal Palace
  • 2017-02-25Crystal Palace 1-0 Middlesbrough
  • 2016-09-10Middlesbrough 1-2 Crystal Palace
  • 2013-02-16Crystal Palace 4-1 Middlesbrough
  • 2012-08-25Middlesbrough 2-1 Crystal Palace

Our record in EFL Cup

69%22 won from 32 settled predictions

Settled results only — every published pick is recorded win or lose. Full track record →

Based on at least 20 settled predictions.

1 published market

FeaturedWON
Market
Double Chance
Pick
Crystal Palace or Draw
Confidence74%

Crystal Palace showed sharp attacking qualities in their recent 3-2 win against Fulham and hold the home advantage in this cup tie, having won three of four historical home matches against Middlesbrough. Although Middlesbrough enter on a four-game unbeaten run and have scored in five consecutive matches, facing higher-tier opposition away from home remains a demanding task. Backing Crystal Palace to win or draw covers the likelihood of a tight knockout battle while accounting for recent team absences.

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Published September 7, 2026. Form, team news and table context refresh automatically.