QPR vs Crystal Palace: EFL Cup Third Round Preview, 2023/24

QPR Aim to Continue Strong Run

Queens Park Rangers will host Crystal Palace in the third round of the EFL Cup on Tuesday, August 29th, 2023. The hosts have been in good form this season, winning three of their first four matches in the Championship. They will be looking to continue their strong start to the campaign by beating a Premier League side.

Impressive Palace Showing

Crystal Palace have also had a positive start to the season, taking four points from their first two Premier League matches. Patrick Vieira's side will be confident of victory against QPR, but they will need to be wary of the hosts' attacking threat.

Team News

QPR are without a number of key players for the match, including Chris Willock, Ilias Chair, and Jake Clarke-Salter. Crystal Palace are also missing some important players, with Wilfried Zaha, Michael Olise, and Jack Butland all out injured.

Key Matchups

• Lyndon Dykes vs Joachim Andersen: Dykes has been in good form for QPR this season, scoring two goals in his first four matches. He will be looking to add to his tally against Andersen, who is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
• Stefan Johansen vs Eberechi Eze: Johansen is a key player for QPR in midfield, and he will need to be at his best to stop Eze, who is a creative force for Crystal Palace.
• Andre Gray vs Marc Guehi: Gray is a physical presence up front for QPR, and he will be looking to bully Guehi, who is a young and inexperienced defender.

Prediction

This is a tough match to call, but Crystal Palace should have the edge in terms of quality. However, QPR are a dangerous side at home, and they will be looking to cause an upset. A 2-1 win for Crystal Palace is predicted.