Palace v Sheffield Wednesday

Selhurst Park, Saturday 3.00pm

Crystal Palace

Team news

Sheffield Wednesday come into this game in 21st place in the league and without a win since the second game of the season. With only 7 points from 9 games this season things are not looking good for the Owls.

Manager Peter Shreeves has quite a few crucial decisions ahead of Saturday’s game. Firstly he must decide who will partner Tommy Johnson up front. The Scottish striker recovered from a virus in time for Tuesday night’s Yorkshire derby with Rotherham and is a certain starter. Shreeves will have to chose between Argentinian Pablo Bonvin and Italian Michele Di Piedi as to who will partner Johnson up front.

Shreeves main problem is in defence. His options at left-back are limited due to Andy Hinchcliffe's continued absence and Ian Hendon also being injured. It is unlikely that he will call on the services of Steve Harkness, who was recently transfer-listed, so Bromby could be given an extended run in this problem spot.

The rest of the defence should see Derek Geary continue in his favoured right back role. Veteran Carlton Parlmer is likely to play as sweeper with Danny Maddix and Ashley Westwood in the centre of defence.

Palace on the other hand are doing considerably better than the Owls. The Eagles currently occupy the last play off position and have a game in hand which, if won, could see them rise to 4th.

Steve Bruce has very few selection problems ahead of the game on Saturday.

David Hopkin came on as a sub on Tuesday to score in the final minutes against Sheffield United, something which must have brought back very bad memories for Blades fans. However it is not know whether he is up to full match fitness so it is likely that Aki Riihilahti and Simon Rodger will continue their partnership in midfield.

American defender Gregg Berhalter is still injured with a broken jaw and will miss Saturday’s game, as will midfielder Tommy Black who is suspended following his red card at Portsmouth two weeks ago.

Up front Dougie Freedman will want to impress Scotland boss Craig Brown after being called up for the World Cup qualifier against Latvia in October. Freedman has scored eight goals in nine games so far this season and he will certainly want to continue this trend ahead of the international game on the 6th of October.

Sheffield Wednesday - league stats

Full league table

Sheffield Wednesday - current form

Full form table

Our home record v Sheffield Wednesday

Last five results

Date	Type	Home Team	Score	Away Team
14/04/2001	League	Sheffield Wednesday	4 - 1	Crystal Palace
04/11/2000	League	Crystal Palace	4 - 1	Sheffield Wednesday
10/05/1998	League	Crystal Palace	1 - 0	Sheffield Wednesday
25/10/1997	League	Sheffield Wednesday	1 - 3	Crystal Palace
14/03/1995	League	Crystal Palace	2 - 1	Sheffield Wednesday

All time results

One to watch

Gerald Sibon

After a shaky start to his Wednesday career, the Dutchman has done well at Hillsborough, despite never fully winning over the fans. A tall striker, he is good in the air yet shows a surprisingly deft touch with his feet. After some solid defence in the past three matches, Palace really will be tested by Sibon.

Last meeting

English Division 1

Palace 4 (3) Freedman 3 Morrison 33 Pollock 36, 47

Sheff Wed 1 (0) Sibon 83 (p) 04-11-2000

Palace: Kolinko, Austin, Fan Zhiyi, Mullins, Rodger, Freedman, Morrison, Black (Carlisle, 88), Rubins (Thomson, 85), Pollock, Staunton Subs not used: Smith, Gregg, Morrison

Sheff Wed: Pressman, Haslam, Harkness, Walker, Quinn, Sibon, Hendon, Lescott (Di Piedi, 45), Ekoku, Cooke, Morrison (Crane, 45) Subs not used: Hamshaw, Stringer, Geary

Bookings: Ekoku, Harkness, Hendon (Sheff Wed)

Attendance: 15333

Referee: M Warren

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