Crystal Palace team news takes centre stage as Oliver Glasner prepares his side for a Carabao Cup second-round meeting with Millwall at Selhurst Park on Tuesday, 16 September 2025 (20:00 BST). The Austrian coach used his pre-match press conference to confirm that two new arrivals — goalkeeper Walter Benítez and defender Jaydee Canvot — will both make their competitive debuts in red and blue.
The Eagles head into the London derby fresh from a 1-1 draw with Sunderland in the Premier League, but the narrative is now shifting to squad rotation and integration. Glasner, who has been praised for his balanced approach since replacing Roy Hodgson, stressed that while Palace will respect the competition, changes are essential due to fixture congestion and international fatigue.
Speaking to reporters, Glasner reassured supporters that his squad remains largely intact, with no fresh injuries from the weekend. However, Adam Wharton, Ismaïla Sarr and Eddie Nketiah remain unavailable for the cup tie. Encouragingly, Wharton and Nketiah are both on course to return for Saturday’s trip to West Ham United, a Premier League fixture that could prove vital in Palace’s push to secure early-season momentum.
Crystal Palace team news vs Millwall: Debuts confirmed
Glasner was unequivocal about his selection plans when asked about rotation ahead of the Millwall clash.
“Nothing new from Saturday. All players who were available are still available. Nobody is returning. But it looks positive that Adam Wharton and Eddie Nketiah will return for West Ham game, but not for Millwall. I can confirm that Walter Benítez will have his debut for Crystal Palace and Jaydee Canvot will have his debut.” — Oliver Glasner
The decision gives Palace supporters the opportunity to assess two of the club’s summer signings under competitive pressure. Benítez, who joined after an impressive spell in Ligue 1, brings international pedigree, while Canvot — a versatile defender — is seen as part of the club’s medium-term strategy to refresh their backline.
Walter Benítez 2025/26 snapshot
| Stat (2025/26) | Walter Benítez |
|---|---|
| Appearances | — |
| Clean Sheets | — |
| Saves Made | — |
| Save Percentage | –% |
source: sofascore match data – 15 September 2025
With his first official outing yet to come, Benítez’s impact will be judged on composure, distribution and command of his area. The Argentine has the pedigree to challenge for the No.1 spot, and the Millwall tie is a low-risk opportunity for him to settle into English football.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William argues the Carabao Cup is the ideal proving ground for Glasner’s new recruits:
“By handing debuts to Benítez and Canvot against Millwall, Glasner is showing trust while also managing minutes for regular starters. These decisions highlight his pragmatic style — respecting the competition but using it to embed new signings. Palace will still be favourites, but Millwall’s physicality will test Canvot’s adaptability straight away.”
The Eagles’ European qualification hopes will hinge more on league results, but progress in the domestic cups adds depth to Glasner’s project and offers fringe players meaningful opportunities.
Key insights
- Glasner confirms Walter Benítez and Jaydee Canvot will debut vs Millwall.
- Injured trio Wharton, Sarr and Nketiah ruled out of the Carabao Cup tie.
- Wharton and Nketiah could return against West Ham on 20 September.
- No fresh injuries from the weekend draw with Sunderland.
- Palace expected to rotate but remain competitive at Selhurst Park.
What’s next for Crystal Palace
After the Millwall clash, Palace travel across London to face West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday, 20 September 2025. Glasner hinted that Wharton and Nketiah could both feature in that fixture, offering a timely boost as Palace aim to climb into the top half of the table.
The Carabao Cup tie therefore serves two purposes: a chance to advance in the competition while bedding in new faces. Victory would also give Palace valuable momentum ahead of a tricky run of league fixtures, with Arsenal and Brighton looming on the horizon.
👉 Do you think Walter Benítez or Jaydee Canvot will become regular starters for Crystal Palace this season?
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *