Crystal Palace V Derby at Selhurst Park : Match Preview

16 November 2012 12:01
Crystal Palace V Derby - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Zaha back for Palace

Wilfried Zaha is back from England duty to take his place in Crystal Palace's line-up for the visit of Derby.

The highly-rated winger came on for his international debut in the 85th minute of the Three Lions' 4-2 defeat by Sweden in Stockholm.

Midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi was also in midweek action, playing 64 minutes of South Africa's 1-0 loss to Zambia, while full-back Jonathan Parr came off the bench for half-an-hour of Norway's 2-0 friendly win over Hungary in Budapest.

If the duo have suffered no ill-effects boss Ian Holloway could name the same side which registered wins over Ipswich and Peterborough in his first two games in charge.

Skipper Paddy McCarthy is the only injury absentee with a groin problem.

Ben Davies is an injury doubt for Derby.

Davies took a knock to an ankle this week and he will continue to be monitored ahead of the journey to south London.

Manager Nigel Clough may opt to rest fellow midfielder Will Hughes following the 17-year-old's midweek exploits with the England Under-21 side. It could be that the highly-rated teenager starts on the bench against the Eagles.

Frank Fielding made his return from a groin injury with 90 minutes in the reserves on Tuesday afternoon, but after six weeks out Saturday will come too soon for him so Adam Legzdins will remain in goal.

"Frank looked good and his kicking was good but he felt a little bit sore afterwards," said Clough. "He will probably need another run out before he is back in contention."

Forward Jamie Ward will miss a ninth game with his hamstring injury but there is a chance the Northern Ireland international could be available when Birmingham visit Pride Park on November 24.

Source: PA