Crystal Palace V Barnsley at Selhurst Park - Match Preview




Phillips fillip for Eagles

Kevin Phillips returns to the Crystal Palace squad for the visit of Barnsley.

The veteran striker missed Monday's 1-0 defeat at Blackpool as he is currently on loan from the Seasiders.

Boss Ian Holloway must decide whether to hand Phillips a start as he attempts to end a run of three straight defeats which has dented their promotion hopes.

Former Portsmouth forward Aruna Dindane could also be added to the squad having recently signed as a free agent, although he is short of match fitness.

Darcy Blake is fit after a knee problem but fellow defender Paddy McCarthy remains sidelined by a groin injury while midfielders Alex Nimely (hamstring) and Owen Garvan (knee) are also in the treatment room.

Barnsley boss David Flitcroft is giving Martin Cranie every chance of being fit for the trip.

The defender was forced off in the second half during the 2-0 win over Leicester after picking up a hamstring problem and is a major doubt for the game.

But Flitcroft will select the player if they receive good news from a pre-match scan, with Stephen Foster ready to deputise if Cranie is ruled out.

The Tykes manager does not expect to have Reuben Noble-Lazarus, Jimmy McNulty (both ankle), Rob Edwards (thigh) and Rory Delap (calf) back from injury, while Scott Golbourne (knee) and Paul Digby (groin/hip) are definitely out for the rest of the season.

The Reds have won three of their last four outings, but their last away victory came in February at Middlesbrough.

Source: PA

Source: PA