Derby v Palace – Team news preview

Inconsistent Palace travel to in-form Derby with a host of injuries and other selection problems.

The loan move of Gabor Kiraly to Aston Villa, coupled with Iain Turner's groin injury, leaves boss Peter Taylor with only Scott Flinders and Julian Speroni to choose from between the sticks.

Flinders has conceded 10 in his three league appearances this season, while Speroni has not yet featured due to injury.

The Eagles defence is also weakened, with the continued absence of Leon Cort, Danny Granville and Danny Butterfield.

Fortunately, despite Derby's lofty second place in the league, they don't score many at home. Their 14 goals at Pride Park is the lowest home total among all the clubs in the top ten of the division.

But Palace have their own problems up front, with striker Dougie Freedman still out injured.

Derby will be hoping to put pressure on leaders Birmingham with a win, but have a key player missing themselves.

Top scorer Steve Howard, who has notched nine times for the Rams this season, is out through suspension. However, Derby will still be able to call on the services of Jon Stead and Arsenal loanee Arturo Lupoli up front.