Palace face their toughest test of the season so far tomorrow, with the visit of reigning champions Arsenal.
Wenger’s Gunners will be itching to turn around a poor run of form that has seen them draw twice since losing their unbeaten league record at Old Trafford.
Fortunately, Iain Dowie should have a full squad to choose from. Fitz Hall is believed to face a late fitness test, but that knock is unlikely to keep the defender from reacquainting himself with the team he made his Premiership debut against with Southampton last season.
If Hall is unable to play, Gonzalo Sorondo is fit and ready to step into the centre-back spot. Palace will be otherwise unchanged, with Andy Johnson looking to pinch the top Premiership goalscorer’s spot from Thierry Henry. AJ is an incredible 9/1 against being the first goalscorer in tomorrow’s game – odds that will surely tempt many punters.
The good news for Palace is that Arsenal are missing talismanic centre-back Sol Campbell – who will probably be replaced again by the far less reliable Pascal Cygan.
Also out for the Gooners are Edu, Gilberto, Jermaine Pennant and Gael Clichy. Dutch hotshot Robin van Persie may start in place of compatriot Dennis Bergkamp.
Probable Palace XI:
Kiraly
Boyce Popovic Hall Granville
Routledge Hughes Riihilahti Watson Kolkka
Johnson