Crystal Palace v Peterborough

Last updated : 30 January 2010 By BBC Sport

Peterborough striker Craig Mackail-Smith hopes to return after missing out against Preston because of illness.

Chris Whelpdale and Josh Simpson both picked up knocks in that game and will face late fitness tests.

MATCH PREVIEW

A 10-point deduction appears to have shattered Palace's hopes of getting out of the Championship, while Peterborough's chances of staying in it are fading fast.

Boss Neil Warnock and his players were quietly confident they could snatch promotion. But the penalty imposed after the club went into administration means Palace's long-term future is now the main concern.

The deduction leaves them only one place and three points above the relegation zone while facing the prospect of losing their best players - a cruel blow for a side that went six matches without a defeat before Wednesday's loss at leaders Newcastle.

They are still well clear of Peterborough, who are cut drift at the bottom of the table after a miserable few months. Their latest setback was a midweek home defeat against Preston.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• This is the 18th league match between these clubs. Nine of the previous 17 were drawn.

Have your say on this match

• Peterborough have only won two away league games against the Eagles; in 1960 and 1963.

Crystal Palace

• A goal for Palace would be their 3,000th at home in the league.

• The Eagles have only scored three goals in the last 15 minutes of Championship matches this season.

Peterborough

• Rock-bottom Peterborough have lost their last three league games, and remain the only club without an away win in the Championship.

• They have the worst defensive record in the division, having conceded 49 league goals.

MOST RECENT MEETING

Peterborough 1-1 Crystal Palace (31 August 2009)

Peterborough scorer: Batt 53.

Palace scorer: Lee 64.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport