Coventry v Palace – Team news preview

Last updated : 14 October 2005 By Nik Taylor

Iain Dowie welcomes Andrew Johnson back into the team as Palace travel to the Ricoh Arena tomorrow.

AJ has been sidelined since picking up a knee injury during the 3-2 defeat at Reading on 13th September.

He’s now fully recovered and Dowie is expected to name the England striker in his starting line-up.

Jon Macken has also bounced back from a hamstring injury, giving Dowie plenty of options up front.

The news isn’t so good for Aki Riihilahti, however, as the midfielder has been hit by yet another injury blow.

The Finn has already missed much of this season through injury, and picked up another knock during training with the national team ahead of their match against Czech Republic.

Mikele Leigertwood also remains on the treatment table, though he is confident of returning to fitness for next weekend’s match at home to Burnley.

Coventry are able to call on former Eagle Dele Adebola, who is fit again. However, fellow Palace old-boy Richard Shaw will likely miss out, along with Matt Heath, Stuart Giddings and Neil Wood. Coventry captain Robert Page is suspended.

Probable Palace XI:

Kiraly
Boyce Hall Ward Butterfield
McAnuff Soares Watson Reich
Johnson Morrison