Iain Dowie is hoping Aki Riihilahti will be fit enough to feature for Palace at some point in tomorrow’s home game against league leaders Norwich City.
The Finnish midfielder has been missed, with Palace picking up just four points from a possible 12 during his time on the sidelines. Riihilahti has recovered from the Achilles injury that’s kept him out, but tomorrow’s game may come just too soon – and he’s likely to start on the bench.
There’s good news for Dowie in other areas of the pitch, however, with Mark Hudson once again available for selection after completing his suspension. The on-loan defender should reclaim his spot from Mikele Leigertwood, who debuted in last weekend’s defeat at Forest.
Meanwhile, Nico Vaesen will replace Cedric Berthelin between the sticks. The Birmingham keeper has joined Palace on loan until the end of the season, and will be looking to stabilise a defence that has conceded 10 goals in the last five games.
Norwich have several injury concerns ahead of the game. Former Eagle Leon McKenzie is a doubt, as is defender Adam Drury. On-loan Wolves midfielder Kevin Cooper is expected to be named in their squad after signing for the rest of the season in midweek.
The Canaries are bringing around 8,000 fans with them tomorrow – with the entire Arthur Wait stand allocated to City. Here’s hoping the Eagles can keep them quiet!
Vaesen
Butterfield Hudson Popovic Granville
Routledge Derry Hughes Gray
Johnson Shipperley