Crystal Palace take on Millwall in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
This south London derby takes place for the second time in two seasons at Selhurst Park, following a 3-1 win for Crystal Palace over Millwall in the FA Cup last season.
Oliver Glasner has already confirmed Jean-Philippe Mateta will start despite almost losing an ear last time he faced Millwall, and the Austrian added that Walter Benitez will also be in the starting XI after impressing at Copers Cope.
Oliver Glasner confirms Walter Benitez will start against Millwall
The Argentina international was signed on a free transfer back in July after his contract at PSV Eindhoven expired, replacing Matt Turner as a backup to Dean Henderson.
Benitez is yet to play a competitive fixture for Crystal Palace, but that is now set to change. Glasner is quoted by CPFC as saying in his pre-match press conference: “We’ll play our best team available, like always, but there will be a few changes. I can confirm that Walter Benítez will have his debut for Crystal Palace… Walter is great in training and has a lot of experience.
“He plays for Argentina and has played with PSV many international games. It’s good to have him in the building. That’s why we completely trust him.”
Walter Benitez during a friendly for Crystal Palace against Millwall
Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images
Glasner added that Jaydee Canvot – who is getting along well with Mateta – will also debut against Millwall following his £16m move from Toulouse on transfer deadline day.
Huge opportunity for Romain Esse
Glasner was quite revealing in his press conference, adding that Romain Esse will also start.
The England U20 international has only made one start since his £14.5m arrival from Millwall back in January, which came in the 4-2 win over Wolves just days after the 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Esse impressed that day against Wolves, assisting Eddie Nketiah, but was then withdrawn by Glasner at Anfield just minutes after being substituted on, which suggested the Austrian was frustrated at the winger.
Mohamed Salah comforting Crystal Palace youngster Romain Esse after the FT whistle. Esse was crying due to an early substitution.
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— Salah Updates (@SalahUpdates) May 27, 2025
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Since then, the Crystal Palace No.21 has been left on the bench in six out of seven games across all competitions so far this season.
Esse even failed to appear in the 0-0 draw against Sunderland despite the absence of Ismaila Sarr.
Therefore, the Londoner must deliver a strong performance against Millwall if he wants to feature more in the Premier League.