Palace v Leeds United

Selhurst Park, Sunday 1.00pm

FA Cup

Team news

Palace fans won't need reminding about the memorable fourth round encounter against Liverpool.

The fans and players will hope that they repeat the same feat against another Premiership side, Terry Venables' Leeds United.

Tony Popovic who scored against England on Wednesday night for the Socceroos, misses the match with a groin injury - a major disappointment for the centre back, who was hoping to test his metal against fellow Aussie Harry Kewell.

Apart from Popovic's absense, Trevor Francis should field a simliar side to the one against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Hayden Mullins who should be dropping into defence to replace Popovic, is particuarly looking forward to the game. He said:

"The boys have been buzzing ever since. The gaffer won’t need a team talk now because there’s a massive prize waiting for us. Getting into the next round would be absolutely tremendous for us.

"The last two league games we’ve been beaten but we’re flying in the cup.

"I wouldn’t say we’ve proved we’re Premiership material yet because of two games against Liverpool. You have to prove it over a longer period.

"But we’re confident, we’re at Selhurst and we’re going to make it difficult for Leeds."

Francis has also pleaded with the Palace fans to concentrate on cheering the team through to the sixth round and not to barrack former boss Venables.

Francis said: "I really want to try to stay clear of any controversy because I realise there are a number of supporters who are looking forward to the game.

"But there are also going to be a few just looking forward to going down and barracking Terry Venables.

"I hope not. But that's why it's important for me as a manager just to concentrate on the football. I like to think I'm friends with all the managers and Terry in particular."

Leeds' Spanish star Raul Bravo could miss the trip with tonsillitis, and Aussie Paul Okon is a doubt with a hamstring injury.

Dominic Matteo and Eirik Bakke have also joined their injury list after picking injuries in their 1-0 win against West Ham last weekend.

Mark Viduka, who was sent off in the 4th round against Gillingham is still suspended.

However Venables will be able to call on Harry Kewell and Alan Smith who are both back in contension.

Nick Barmby, who hasn't played for Leeds for almost 3 months could make an appearance in some form, after coming through a reserve game on Wednesday night.

Leeds United - league stats

Full league table

Leeds United - current form

Full form table

Our home record v Leeds United

Last five results

Date	Type	Home Team	Score	Away Team
31/01/1998	League	Crystal Palace	0 - 2	Leeds United
23/08/1997	League	Leeds United	0 - 2	Crystal Palace
25/01/1997	FA Cup	Leeds United	1 - 0	Crystal Palace
14/01/1997	FA Cup	Crystal Palace	2 - 2	Leeds United
09/05/1995	League	Leeds United	3 - 1	Crystal Palace

All time results

One to watch

Harry Kewell

After stunning England at Upton Park on Wednesday, the aussie winger-cum-striker will have to be well marked if he's not going to do some damage to the Palace pride.

Probable line-up

Johnson Adebola
Riihilahti Freedman Derry
Gray	Symons	Powell	Mullins	Butterfield
Berthelin

Last meeting

31/1/1998 Crystal Palace 0 Leeds Utd 2 (Wallace, Hasselbaink) Att. 25,248

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