CRYSTAL PALACE haven't been a good League Cup run since reaching the semi-finals back in season 2012/13 so fans will be hoping this clash with Norwich City can be the springboard for a crack at Wembley.
The Eagles have bowed out in either the second or third round in the last five seasons but they have a squad capable of going far this term – if manager Oliver Glasner treats the competition seriously.
Premier League clubs often pay the League Cup lip service and it's a trend that has crept into the Championship too with many gaffers prioritising promotion over a cup run.
So it will be interesting to see how Glasner and Norwich's Johannes Hoff Thorup treat this tie, although both will be keen for a morale-boosting win after mixed results early in the campaign.
Crystal Palace kicked off the Premier League with a disappointing defeat at Brentford and followed it up with another loss at home to West Ham on Saturday.
Norwich have only won one of their first four games in all competitions so Thorup will be looking for a League Cup victory to spark their campaign to life.
How the bookies view it: Canaries flying against the wind
It's no great surprise to see Crystal Palace as Betfred's 2/9 favourites to go through, with those odds only increasing to 2/5 for a win inside 90 minutes. Norwich City are 3/1 outsiders to march on and 6/1 to finish the job in normal time. The draw at 90 minutes pays 100/30.
Recent head to head: Palace reigning supreme
Crystal Palace have dominated this fixture of late, going seven games without defeat since a 1-0 loss at Carrow Road in 2013. You also have to go all the way back to 1996 to find the last Norwich win at Selhurst Park.
Players to watch: Sar out to prove his worth
Summer signing Ismaila Sarr has started on the bench in Crystal Palace's first two Premier League games but could be unleashed from the off here. The former Watford winger will be desperate to impress and could be worth a punt for anytime scorer once the market is priced up.
Norwich will probably make a few changes too and winger Onel Hernandez could come back in after starting on the bench at the weekend. He scored twice in the last round against Stevenage and will fancy his chances of grabbing another here.
Probable line-ups
It's hard to tell how many changes both bosses will make here. Ashley Barnes remains out injured for Norwich while Crystal Palace are without Matheus Franca and Will Hughes is a doubt.
Crystal Palace: Johnstone, Clyne, Holding, Ward, Riad, Schlupp, Kamada, Doucoure, Wharton, Sar, Edouard.
Norwich City: Gunn, Stacey, Cordoba, Hanley, Chrisene, Nunez, McLean, Forsyth, Hernandez, Sainz, Sargent.
Anything else catch the eye?
This match could take a while to get going if both managers make a lot of changes. So I'm tempted to back under 2.5 goals at 6/5 with Betfred while a Palace win with under 3.5 strikes pays 6/5.
Backing most goals to come after the break could also pay off and that is priced at evens by Betfred.
This EFL Cup match between Crystal Palace and Norwich City will be played on Aug 27, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Crystal Palace vs Norwich City prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
