Can the Eagles outfox the Foxes

Crystal Palace travel to the Walkers Stadium tonight, knowing that a victory over Leicester City will take them into third place in the Championship.

Talismanic striker Andrew Johnson has recovered from the clash of heads he suffered during the win over Watford last Friday. Elsewhere fullback Danny Butterfield makes a welcome return to the squad. The former Grimsby Town player has endured a torrid time with injuries over the last two seasons. A more than competent performer at this level, Butterfield has watched from the sidelines as Emmerson Boyce, his replacement at right back has excelled. Whether he remains with the club beyond this season is open to question. His popularity with players, staff and supporters alike mean that if he does depart he will be missed.

Leicester have shown a marked resurgence under Rob Kelly, and tonight’s game will provide Palace with a sterner test than the 2-0 victory at Selhurst Park in January. Goals from McAnuff and Johnson secured the win for the Eagles that day, and the same combination could fire the Eagles to within six points of Sheffield United by the close of play this evening.

Leicester players to watch:

Matty Fryatt and Iain Hume – these diminutive strikers have performed well since Kelly replaced Craig Levein. Both are intelligent, livewire players and Palace will have to be aware of getting caught to far up the pitch – give these boys space and they could hurt you. If he plays Tony Popovic will need to utilise his experience and powers of anticipation to counteract their pace and guile.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.