Cup is a big deal for Chamakh
Crystal Palace striker Marouane Chamakh knows a prolonged FA Cup campaign may hinder the Eagles' Premier League survival bid but insists that will not stop them looking to overcome Wigan on Saturday.
Tony Pulis will take his side to face the cup holders in their fourth-round clash at the DW Stadium with their league position still precarious as they sit 16th in the table, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
With several other struggling sides already out, Chamakh feels the congested fixture-list may come back to haunt the Eagles.
"If certain teams around us in the league are not in the competition, they will be fresher than us," he told the Croydon Advertiser.
"But when the manager puts a team out, it's to win every game and I can feel that when he talks.
"The aim is to win every game, no matter what. He can change some players but it is still the same mentality.
"It will be a chance for some players to have a rest and for others to play, but we will see."
Defender Dean Moxey has acknowledged a trip to Uwe Rosler's Wigan but wants a good run in the competition.
"It's the FA Cup so it's a big thing," he said.
"It will be tough at Wigan so we have to get ready for that. Of course we fancy a run in the FA Cup. The main thing is the league obviously but then everyone wants an FA Cup winners' medal, don't they?
"It will be nice to have a run in it."
Paddy McCarthy is likely to be involved at Wigan as the club captain looks to finally end his 18-month injury nightmare.
McCarthy has missed well over a year with a groin injury but was an unused substitute for the third-round win over West Brom.
The 30-year-old central defender's last appearance was a 2-1 defeat to Cardiff in April 2012. He is out of contract at the end of the season.
Chamakh sat out that tie, as did the likes of Jason Puncheon, Cameron Jerome and Mile Jedinak so the chances of Pulis rotating his squad once more seem high against the holders.
Wigan boss Uwe Rosler has confirmed Nick Powell will be on the bench for the holders.
The on-loan Manchester United forward played through the pain barrier against Doncaster last weekend after picking up several knocks but will not be involved from the start.
New loan signing Josh McEachran will also not play with Rosler instead putting him on a specific training plan to improve his fitness.
Defender Tyias Browning, borrowed from Everton, does not have permission to play while Rob Kiernan is cup-tied and the likes of Shaun Maloney (shoulder) are still absent.
Source: PA
