Blades v Palace. Match preview

Last updated : 20 December 2008 By Palace Reporter

Henderson, a £2million summer signing from Watford, was sent off for violent conduct after being deemed to have elbowed Swansea defender Angel Rangel last week and sits out the first match of a three-game ban.

Blades manager Kevin Blackwell must choose between Billy Sharp, Danny Webber and Anthony Stokes, on loan from Sunderland, to partner leading goalscorer James Beattie up front.

Blackwell is still without midfielder Gary Speed, who is struggling with a back injury - Matthew Spring will continue to deputise - defender Sun Jihai (hamstring) and Nick Montgomery (calf).

Left-back Derek Geary has been ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery on his knee.

Palace centre-back Paddy McCarthy has been ruled out after dislocating his shoulder against Doncaster.

Shefki Kuqi suffered a calf injury against Rovers and faces a late fitness check. James Scowcroft could make the bench following a hamstring injury.