Palace v Brighton – Team news preview

Last updated : 18 October 2005 By Nik Taylor

Palace take on bottom-placed Brighton at Selhurst tonight, looking to add to a run of four straight victories and inflict more misery on their south-coast rivals.

The big question is whether Andrew Johnson will play. The striker came on for the last 11 minutes of the 4-1 win at Coventry on Saturday and looked to have completely shaken off his injury.

Dowie will surely be tempted to throw him on against Brighton from the start, especially since Johnson hammered home a hat-trick last time tonight's visitors came to Selhurst Park.

Morrison’s fine form means he’s a shoe-in for the other striking position, so Freedman is likely to be dropped to the bench.

The rest of the side should stay the same, with Mikele Leigertwood and Danny Granville still a week or two away from a return.

The visitors have not won in five, and have only picked up one win all season. However, they are tough to beat away from the Withdean, having picked up five draws and lost just one of their six away matches.

French winger Alexander Frutos is expected to start for Mark McGhee’s side, but Mark McCammon, Adam Hinshelwood and Alexis Nicholas will all miss out.

Richard Carpenter faces a late fitness test and may be replaced by Charlie Oatway.

Probable Palace XI:

Kiraly
Butterfield Ward Hall Boyce
McAnuff Soares Watson Reich
Johnson Morrison