Palace v Swansea City

Selhurst Park, Saturday 3.00pm

Story so far

Roberto Martinez has emerged as one of the new young talented managers in the game. So much so, that he's already been linked with the Assistant Manager position at Manchester United.

As a footballer, he's a much travelled lower league player. From a player's point of view, he knows how to avoid relegation and how to battle for promotion.

In his first half season in charge at Swansea, Martinez guided the Swans to the final play-off spot. His second season they finished 7th and last season they finished as League 1 champions.

Swansea have even had a good start to their life in the Championship, having only lost the one game. In fact, they've only lost 12 of Martinez's 68 in charge.

I'd certainly be wary of them. It looks as though they could well challenge for the playoffs - much like Luton, Bristol et al.

Team news

Eagles targetman Alan Lee should make his full bow after appearing as a substitute against Reading in the last fixture.

Centre back Paddy McCarthy picked up a knock in that 4-2 defeat and faces a fitness test, while John Oster should have beaten off a thigh strain.

Swansea's Fede Bessone is in contention after recovering from a fractured rib. Gorka Pintado (back) and Marcos Painter (ankle) are expected to return.

Quotes

Roy Hodgson

"I'm hoping we can create more and go at it a bit. We've got to commit ourselves a bit more even if it means that we're going to be caught on the break - we've got to cope with it. I want bodies in the box."

Roberto Martinez

"Their[Palace] performances have been much, much better than what the table reflects. I've been impressed with some of the performances they've had.

"It's just a matter of time before they get the points. So I think we should be a little bit wary of playing a Crystal Palace side that the table doesn't truly reflect their potential.

"He [Warnock] knows how to get a solid team out of very little and I think they've got a group of players that are quite impressive.

"These sort of sides know how to win games without playing well and that's a real strength."

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Swansea City - league stats

Position	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Points
7th	4	2	1	1	7

Full league table

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Swansea City - current form

Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against
5	4	1	0	9	3

Full form table

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Our home record v Swansea City

Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against
6	2	3	1	13	7

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Last five results

Date	Type	Home Team	Score	Away Team
05/05/1984	League	Crystal Palace	2 - 0	Swansea City
03/12/1983	League	Swansea City	1 - 0	Crystal Palace
14/01/1980	FA Cup	Crystal Palace	1 - 2	Swansea City
08/01/1980	FA Cup	Crystal Palace	3 - 3	Swansea City
05/01/1980	FA Cup	Swansea City	2 - 2	Crystal Palace

All time results

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One to watch

Jason Scotland

A completely unproven player at this level but he has an impressive scoring record in Scotland and League 1.

Scotland isn't the biggest player around but he's certainly got a thump of a kick on him. Anybody that gets in the way of one of his shots will end up in casualty.

He has a fantastic strike with either his left or right foot and can score some very good goals to boot. With Swansea generally playing with one up front, Scotland may find himself isolated and easily shackled - actually, not with our defence!

Ref watch

L Mason

Last meeting

Palace 2-0 Swansea City

Saturday May 05 1984

Palace:

Swansea City:

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