Swansea v Palace. Match preview

Last updated : 13 March 2009 By Palace Reporter

The Swans moved into the play-off positions following the midweek victory over Plymouth, albeit for a brief 24-hour period, and Martinez could keep faith with the same XI.

Injured skipper Garry Monk will have a fitness test on Saturday morning as he struggles to overcome the back injury that has kept him out of the last three games. If he passes it, Monk will go straight back into the squad, though he may not make the starting line-up.

Midfielder Mark Gower was rested for Tuesday's win over Argyle as he was nursing a stiff back and he will come back into contention for the Liberty Stadium clash, but may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Darren Pratley has shown no reaction after his early return from a shoulder injury and he is expected to keep his place in the centre of midfield.

Crystal Palace will be without defenders Matt Lawrence and Paddy McCarthy.

Veteran Lawrence is missing with a hamstring injury and fellow centre-back McCarthy is due back next month following his shoulder operation.

On-loan Derby defender Claude Davis will therefore keep his place at the back alongside Jose Fonte.

Teenage forward Victor Moses made a quick recovery from his hamstring injury to make a brief substitute appearance during the midweek defeat at Burnley and should at least make the bench again.

The Swansea trip is the second of Palace's three away games in six days, with Barnsley to come next Tuesday, so boss Neil Warnock may make changes to freshen up his side.

Nick Carle, Alan Lee, Lee Hills and Rui Fonte will push to be involved at the Liberty Stadium.

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