Crystal Palace v Cardiff City. Match preview

28 April 2012 09:32
It all comes down to the final game of the regulation season.

Cardiff hold the advantage of 6th place at kick off meaning that anything other than a defeat will guarantee a play off place for Malky Mackay in his first season in charge.

What an achivement that would be on top of making the final of the Carling Cup.

A City defeat could be enough if Middlesbrough fail to win at Watford but wouldn't it be nice if we did it ourselves and didn't come through on the back of someone else's result (although I wouldn't be complaining).

On the pitch City expect to welcome Don Cowie back into the starting line up after injury and Rudy Gestede should be fit enough for a place on the bench.

Craig Conway is the only abstentee with the injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

Julian Speroni is the latest addition to Crystal Palace's casualty list ahead of the final-day clash.

The goalkeeper misses out after suffering a dislocated finger during the first half of last week's 2-2 draw at Reading, so Lewis Price will deputise.

Centre-half Paul McShane is struggling a hamstring injury and right-back Nathaniel Clyne is also doubtful after missing the Reading game with a knee problem.

Fellow defender Anthony Gardner is still out with hamstring trouble and joins midfielders Jonathan Williams, David Wright (both hamstring), Kagisho Dikgacoi (thigh) and Mile Jedinak (groin) in a crowded treatment room.

Youngsters Matt Parsons, Kyle De Silva, Antonio Pedroza, Stuart O'Keefe and Kwesi Appiah are set to be pressed into action again.

Source: FOOTYMAD