Palace head to Loftus Road in Carabao Cup Third Round
Match Details: EFL Cup (Third Round), 17/09/2024, 19:45 Kick Off, Loftus Road
Palace look to extend three-match unbeaten run
A Jean-Philippe Mateta double on the weekend extended Palace’s unbeaten streak to three matches, although the club remain winless in the league and have struggled in large parts throughout the early stages of the campaign.
The midweek trip to QPR could not have arrived at a better time for the Eagles, who have failed to build chemistry and establish consistency in their previous outings.
Coupled with the arrivals and departures from a busy deadline day at Selhurst Park, a match against lower-league opposition may be key for the squad to build momentum.
In their second round match against Norwich City, Palace dominated the Canaries at home. The 4-0 victory was secured largely due to a brilliant second-half display; revealing an early indication of how the season could materialise if performances are improved upon.
It is imperative for the Eagles to improve their defensive structure after a subpar performance against Leicester on Saturday. Marc Guehi failed to neutralise the threat of Jamie Vardy, as the latter skipped past Guehi to score the opener.
Credit: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Maxence Lacroix and Nathaniel Clyne also struggled on the flanks of the back three, with errors from both players creating the chance that led to Stephy Mavididi’s goal.
In addition, this match will be a chance for Palace’s new signings and rotational squad members to earn valuable minutes. Eddie Nketiah, Maxence Lacroix, and Ismaila Sarr will all hope to feature in the XI, while some of the club’s depth options should receive a starting place.
QPR in fine form
After an opening day loss against West Bromwich Albion, QPR are undefeated in six matches across all competitions. Their previous cup matches this season include a 2-1 victory against Cambridge United in the first-round, and a penalty-shootout victory against Luton Town in the second-round.
Though the Hoops sit mid-table in the Championship and have enjoyed decent success against tough competition, the club have only won one match of a possible five in the league thus far.
Credit: Alex Pantling/Getty Images
The Hoops have also used their previous cup matches as an opportunity to rotate their squad, and it is unclear if this trend will continue against their strongest opponents yet.
Early Team News
For the visitors, Cheick Doucoure was substituted against Leicester at half-time with a foot injury, and is unlikely to feature in the fixture. Additionally, Rob Holding’s dispute with Oliver Glasner means his exclusion from the matchday squad is all but confirmed. Long-term absentees Matheus Franca and Chadi Riad also remain sidelined.
For QPR, forward Ilias Chair remains out of action with a back injury. Jake Clarke-Salter’s status is also unconfirmed at this time due to an undisclosed injury.
Player to Watch: Franco Umeh
It is anticipated that Franco Umeh will earn his first senior appearance for Crystal Palace against QPR, as the nineteen year-old has been included in Palace’s last two matchday squads.
The wingback featured as a regular in Darren Powell’s U21 side last season, scoring nine goals in fourteen league matches and the winning goal in the PL International Cup final. Umeh has an exceptional workrate and has the physicality required to compete at senior level, which makes him a strong contender to feature at Loftus Road.
Credit: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
The target of interest from Leeds United, Stoke City, and Blackburn in the summer transfer window, Umeh will hopefully get the chance to showcase his talent on Tuesday night - albeit from the bench.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace: Turner (GK); Schlupp, Richards, Lacroix, Clyne, Munoz; Lerma, Hughes; Kamada, Nketiah, Sarr.
QPR: Nardi (GK); Paal, Cook, Dunne, Santos; Varane, Colback; Saito, Madsen, Dembele; Celar
Match Officials
Referee: Sunny Singh Gill
Assistants: Daniel Leach, Hugh Gilroy
Fourth official: Dean Whitestone
Thumbnail Credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Nicholas Moore
Nicholas is a devoted Eagles fan from across the pond with an unwavering passion for football and all things Palace. Away from the game, he channels his energy into graphic design and fitness - cycling, weightlifting, and goalkeeping for his Sunday League team. He still thinks he'll make it pro.
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