--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-09-08T21:35:27.734Z last_updated: 2026-09-07T18:59:29+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/middlesbrough/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ2F6ZXR0ZWxpdmUuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvZm9vdGJhbGwvZm9vdGJhbGwtbmV3cy9taWRkbGVzYnJvdWdoLXByZWRpY3RlZC10ZWFtLXZzLWNyeXN0YWwtMzQ1ODE4MzQ --- # Boro predicted team vs Crystal Palace with cup game a chance for opportunities - **Source:** - **Published:** 7 Sept - **Club:** Middlesbrough - **Original URL:** https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbrough-predicted-team-vs-crystal-34581834 Boro's second trip to London in the space of days, this one offers Kim Hellberg and his players the chance to take a breather from the intensity and pressure of the Championship campaign. While ultimately a very tough test against a Premier League side, Hellberg confirmed ahead of it that he'd use the game similar to previous cup games, which were used to manage his big squad. With that in mind, here's our predicted team. GK - Sol Brynn - Radek Vitek has the spot for league games right now, but that means the cup provides an opportunity for Brynn to play and keep the summer signing on his toes. RB - Sam Byram - Such is the strength of Boro’s squad, Byram didn’t even make the bench on Saturday, despite travelling. It would make sense to rest Brittain for the weekend. CB - Luke Ayling - Given they’re away to a Premier League club, there was a temptation to go with a back three. But, given the game is more about minutes for players who need them, there are more attacking players who do need them. CB - Alfie Jones - As will Jones, who has had a reasonable return from injury, but has looked rusty at times. The more games he plays, the closer he should get back to his best. LB - Max Arfsten - Arfsten did play at QPR, but could do with the games as he continues to adapt at his new club. This will be a good test for him. CM - Connor Barron - Like Byram, Barron missed out on making the bench on Saturday. But he should be capable after a decent pre-season of stepping in. A defensive-minded midfielder who played with the expectation that comes at Rangers, he should handle the occasion just fine. Get the most comprehensive Middlesbrough news and analysis straight to your Inbox! To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two: Get Teesside Live Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive Boro news and features, transfer notebooks, comment and analysis from Eric Paylor, plus an ad-lite experience CM - Myles Peart-Harris - Peart-Harris has Premier League experience and the physicality and athleticism to mean he should be fine handling the step up in competition. RW - Amario Cozier-Duberry - The scenario Boro found themselves in at QPR meant Cozier-Duberry didn’t make it off the bench for his debut. On loan from Palace’s rivals Brighton, he might relish this chance to showcase his abilities against top-flight defenders. AM - Rokas Pukstas - Coming off the bench in the late stages at the weekend, the one feels like the ideal opportunity to get the American in for his first start. He’s certainly physically ready after so many competitive games for Hajduk Split before his move. LW - Leo Castledine - After a bright start to the summer, Castledine’s form has dipped a little since the start of the competitive action. He’ll hope to make a point if he plays in this one. ST - Kyle Joseph - There’s an argument that the game is an ideal opportunity for Tommy Conway to get his first start of the season after a couple of positive cameos from the bench. But given how better Boro look with him, we’re predicting Hellberg saves that first start for the weekend against Norwich. Strelec could start too, but is still building his way back from injury. So Joseph gets the nod for this one.