Crystal Palace turn their attention to the Carabao Cup tonight as Middlesbrough visit Selhurst Park in the third round.
The Eagles go into the game after Saturday’s 3-2 victory at Fulham, Pierre Sage’s first Premier League win as Palace boss. Boro arrive in good form themselves and will be looking for a Premier League scalp after making a strong start to the season.
Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough match details
| Competition | Carabao Cup third round |
| Date | Tuesday, 8 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 7.45pm BST |
| Venue | Selhurst Park |
| UK TV | Sky Sports+ |
| Streaming | Sky Go / NOW |
| Radio | BBC Radio Sports Extra 2 |
The match is being shown live in the UK on Sky Sports+, which is included for Sky Sports subscribers. Existing customers can also stream the game through Sky Go on supported devices.
Another option is NOW, which offers access to Sky Sports without a long-term Sky TV contract. Day and monthly Sports memberships are available.
Radio Times also lists the match as being available through ITVX. However, that listing is not currently backed up by ITV’s own published schedule, while both Sky and the EFL confirm Sky Sports+ coverage, so viewers planning to use ITVX would be advised to check the service before kick-off.
For those who cannot watch, BBC Radio Sports Extra 2 is listed as carrying commentary. That can be accessed through DAB, BBC Sounds and online.
Palace team news – Doucouré is back
The big Palace news is Cheick Doucouré, who is set to make his first senior appearance for the club in almost 20 months.
Doucouré suffered a ruptured Achilles in November 2023 and, after returning, subsequently tore his meniscus in January 2025. Having worked his way back through pre-season and Under-21 football, the midfielder is finally ready for competitive first-team action again.
“When I told him he would be with us today, his smile was incredible,” Sage said when discussing Doucouré’s return.
“I think his reaction was as if I gave him $1million. I like this kind of reaction because that’s for me the start of how we play football, how we love this game, and the only thing he wanted is to come back with the team.
“This is the first step, and he will play a little bit on Tuesday for sure.”
Sage has indicated that he intends to name a strong Palace side rather than make wholesale changes for the cup tie.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaïla Sarr and Chadi Riad are among those unavailable. Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil could return to the squad after Sage left both out against Fulham following their performances from the bench against City.
Middlesbrough arrive in form
Boro have started the Championship season well and head to Selhurst Park after a 1-0 victory at QPR on Saturday.
They have already played twice in this season’s Carabao Cup before Palace enter the competition, beating Wrexham and Doncaster Rovers to reach the third round.
Palace, meanwhile, have reached the quarter-finals of the competition in each of the last two seasons. Sage’s side now have the chance to start another cup run on home soil.
There will be changes, but for Palace supporters one name on the teamsheet will probably attract more attention than most.
After almost 20 months away from the senior side, Doucouré is finally on his way back.
