Man Utd vs. Crystal Palace Betting Tips: Jean-Philippe Mateta and Hannibal Mejbri tipped in Carabao Cup

The Carabao Cup takes centre stage this week as the third round takes place across Tuesday and Wednesday.

The all-Premier League clash between Man Utd vand Crystal Palace has been selected by Sky Sports for its feature game on Tuesday night at 8pm, with Jimmy The Punt casting his eye over proceedings below, featuring two bets in the anytime goalscorer market.

It was back to winning ways for Man Utd at the weekend. 

The Red Devils edged out Burnley in the evening kick off at Turf Moor on Saturday. Bruno Fernandes’ sweetly struck volley proved to be the difference and ended a run of three straight defeats during which time Man Utd had conceded 10 goals. 

Erik ten Hag’s team selection for that Premier League fixture raised a few eyebrows. The three changes from the side that were outscored in Munich saw Hannibal Mejbri, Jonny Evans and Scott McTominay come in for the injured Lisandro Martinez, Christian Erikson and Facundo Pellistri. 

While all three of the incomings gave great accounts of themselves, it was veteran centre-back Evans who shone; he had a goal chalked off and grabbed the assist. Having made a calamitous cameo at the Emirates, the former Fox may still have something to offer at Old Trafford. 

What team ten Hag selects for this League Cup fixture is anyone's guess, the Dutchman could be without as many as 10 players due to injuries and arguments. 

Last season, when United played Aston Villa in the league then the EFL Cup in back-to-back games, he made eight changes but with a lengthy list of absentees, I am not sure he has that luxury here.

A change in goal is expected, with Alay Bayindir coming in. Raphael Varane should come in alongside Evans, Sofyan Amrabat could get his full debut after coming off the bench at the weekend, and Alejandro Garnacho may get the nod on the left. 

I suspect the side that Roy Hodgson fields at Old Trafford on Tuesday will be different to the one he fields at the weekend as the sides meet once more in the league. 

In the previous round, the veteran manager rotated for Crystal Palace’s trip to Home Park which saw Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Jairo Riedewalk and Nathaniel Clyne feature. These fringe players will likely get the nod on Tuesday. 

This fixture is a bit of a minefield from a punting perspective. 

Two heavily rotated sides are expected, yet this is a game neither side will want to lose.

Once again you get the sense silverware will be massive for ten Hag this campaign, as they look a long way off challenging for a title. So, a strong defence of this cup could prove crucial. 

As for the Eagles, they have shown under Hodgson that they have too much to go down, so this competition provides a rare side quest for a trophy. 

With this considered the goalscorer market interests me. 

Jean-Philippe Mateta grabbed a hattrick in the last round against Plymouth which is part of the reason his 4/1 price looks huge on Tuesday evening. 

The French frontman looks like he’ll have to accept playing second fiddle to compatriot Odsonne Édouard this campaign. The former is yet to start domestically, so will have to capitalise on rare opportunities like this.  

Hannibal was a joy to watch at the weekend. 

Statistically, his offensive output was minimal - zero shots and two key passes - but anyone watching the game will know how pivotal he was. 

Earlier this month the Tunisian international grabbed his first Premier League goal of his career in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton; doubling his domestic career tally having scored once at Birmingham in the Championship last season. 

He is not exactly a player famed for his goalscoring exploits but looks like a player just beginning to find his feet at the top level. 

His goal against Brighton will have boosted his confidence, as will his performance at Burnley. With seven games on the horizon for Man Utd before the end of October, Hannibal should continue in an advanced position and continue to thrive.