Palace v Wigan – Team news preview

Last updated : 17 April 2004 By Nik Taylor

The big games just keep on coming. After beating a lacklustre West Ham last week, we now face another of the play-off contenders in Wigan Athletic.

Fourth-placed Athletic have been the surprise package of this First Division for many, and Palace fans will need no reminding of the humiliating defeat that was endured at the JJB Stadium earlier this season.

That 5-0 reverse ensured the departure of Steve Kember as manager, but Palace now have the perfect opportunity for revenge with a victory tomorrow likely to see the Eagles moving into the play-off positions.

Iain Dowie is confident that Neil Shipperley will be able to play against the Latics, although the strong centre-forward was forced to sit out the match against the Hammers last week. Shipps is the only injury doubt for the Palace, and Dougie Freedman waits in the wings to take his place should the skipper remain unfit.

As for Wigan, Matt Jackson and Mike Flynn are still out of contention for the first team.

Probable Palace XI:
Vaesen
Butterfield Hudson Popovic Granville
Routledge Riihilahti Hughes Gray
Johnson Shipperley