Crystal Palace will still, of course, be without their long term absentees Nathaniel Clyne (foot), Lee Hills (knee) and Kagisho "KG" Dikcagoi for the away trip to Doncaster on Saturday. Owen Garvan will also miss out due to a twisted knee. Steffen Iversen got some pitch time against Middlesbrough in mid-week but is still not fully match fit. Anthony Gardner is back also, after he played ninety minutes midweek.
Doncaster Rovers will be without long term absentees James Chambers (knee), Brian Stock (ankle), Adam Lockwood (knee), no other injury news as of yet.
Midweek Catch-up:
After their first home defeat since losing to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season, Palace had revenge in their sights as they took on Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup just three days after their clash in the league. Marvin Emnes strike was the only thing eperating the sides at the end of a thrilling ninety minute on Saturday so the Eagles definitely had a point to prove.
Palace providing all the early pressure with Wilfried Zaha letting loose a fierce strike in the box to score his third goal of the campaign. Jonathan Parr done well to get inside the box but his effort scuffed into the side netting. Not long after, Calvin Andrew saw his powerful long range effort fumbled and then caught by Boro keeper Danny Coyne. In the second half, Palace continued to dominate, Glenn Murray unmarked in the box saw his effort hit the crossbar on its way over. Shortly after, Zaha, who had been continually running rings around the Boro defenders, whipped in a cross to find Calvin Andrew in the box who headed home his second goal in a Red & Blue shirt, slightly helped in by Stephen McManus, but the goal was accredited to Calvin anyway.
Just three minutes later, Middlesbrough brought one back thanks to Zammama and the goal seemed to bring confidence to the Teesiders as they pushed on with a few more attacks, Lewis Price making wondrous saves that Julian would be proud of, but they could not beat the Welshman.
The full time whistle was met with cheers as Palace progress to the fourth round of the competition and many fans will be debating whether they want Aldershot or Arsenal or any other of the Premier League sides available in the next round.
Dougie Freedman had this to say:
"I thought it was a deserved win, it was a deserved win on Saturday but we didn't get the result....we played very well, we changed it around, we used our whole squad which was good."
Dougie also referred to positives in his post-match interview with Anthony Gardner playing his first game of the season and Alex Marrow & Stuart O'Keefe forming a good midfield alliance.
Final Score: Crystal Palace 2 - 1 MiddlesbroughZaha (18) Zemmama (55)
Andrew (52)
Preview:
The Eagles migrate to Doncaster this weekend in a Championship clash that has produced goals and excitement time and time again at this level. The results favored Palace last season, when Donny visited Selhurst Park, Pablo Counago provided a solitary goal to swing the three points The Eagles' way. Although the sides showed nothing between them last season as a 0-0 draw completed the second half of the two games. The season before, Crystal Palace were thumped 3-0 at home by Rovers but held a 1-1 draw when visiting The Keepmoat Stadium.
If Palace provide the win this week (not only will I win a small fortune) but it will double the number of wins they acquired last season when playing away from home. Although if previous meetings are anything to go by, the smart money will be on a level scoreline when the ref blows the final whistle. Doncaster have won just one game this season which was in the cup against League One side Tranmere Rovers. They won this game 3-0 at home but have only picked up one point this season, which also came at home, in a 1-1 draw with Bristol City. Doncaster's form does not favor them, but Palace's away record is equally poor. Things seem to be turning around for Palace though as they were narrowly edged out against Leeds & Peterborough but have claimed a 1-0 victory over Hull City on their travels.
If I had to hazard a guess (and please don't take my word for it as I haven't been right yet this season as far as scorelines go) I'd say a 1-1 draw or perhaps a crafty 2-1 for Palace. Although Doncaster's form says 2-0 could be on the cards for Dougie's boys.
My CPFC line-up:
Speroni
Ramage McCarthy Gardner Moxey
Marrow Jedinak
Zaha Ambrose Williams
Murray
Subs: Price, Tunchev, O'Keefe, Scannell, Andrew
Doncaster's last 6:
L-L-D-L-L-L
Last time out:
Crystal Palace 0-0 Doncaster Rovers
Match Facts:
- Doncaster have claimed just one point in the league this season.
- Doncaster have conceded seven goals at home so far this season.
- The last time Palace lost to Doncaster at the Keepmoat was 25/04/09, the final score was 2-0.
- Doncaster concede an average of 1 goal per game at Home.
My Prediction:
Crystal Palace 2-0 Doncaster Rovers
Zaha
Murray
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