Iain Dowie will be pleased that he travels to Sunderland on Monday night with no injury or suspension concerns, following a highly-charged first leg at Selhurst Park.
Julian Gray and Wayne Routledge came in for particular attention on Friday, with some tough tackles flying in on the wide men. However, everyone came through unscathed – enabling Dowie to choose the same side tonight.
Palace start this second leg with a 3-2 lead, knowing if we can avoid defeat then a trip to Cardiff for the final is a certainty. Away goals no longer count double in the play-offs – so Palace can only go out should we lose by more than a single goal.
Sunderland have been boosted by the news that Jason McAteer is fit enough to start the match. The midfielder has been struggling with a groin injury and it remains to be seen whether he can cope with a full 90 minutes, after coming off at half-time of the first match.
Come on the Palace!
Probable Palace XI:
Vaesen
Butterfield Leigertwood Popovic Granville
Routledge Riihilahti Hughes Gray
Johnson Shipperley