Swansea v Palace. Match preview

Last updated : 28 December 2009 By Palace Reporter

The centre-half has been sidelined since the end of October with a calf problem but he has returned to training and may earn a start.

However, Ashley Williams and stand-in skipper Alan Tate have formed a strong partnership in the middle of the Swans defence and boss Paulo Sousa could keep faith with them.

Mark Gower is another returning player after finally overcoming a troublesome hamstring injury and, after being left out of the squad for the 1-1 draw at Reading on Boxing Day, he could be in contention for a place in the squad.

Striker Lee Trundle will be hoping to earn a start in what could be the final appearance of his loan spell, which expires at the end of the month.

The Swans are on an impressive run of form having lost just twice in the league in 17 games and that run sees them in the play-off zone and within six points of second-placed West Brom.

Crystal Palace will be short at the back with Claude Davis and Danny Butterfield ruled out.

Centre-half Davis picked up his fifth booking of the season during the 3-1 Boxing Day win over Ipswich and serves a one-match ban, while right-back Butterfield is still missing with a hamstring injury.

Youngster Lee Hills, recently back from a loan spell with Oldham, is set to come in at left-back at the Liberty Stadium with Clint Hill switching to the middle in place of Davis.

Another rookie full-back, Nathanial Clyne, continues in place of Butterfield who could be back for the FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday next week.

Striker Freddie Sears looks set to play his last game for Palace with West Ham likely to recall him from his loan spell in the new year.

Sporting Life