By Aston
August 18 2009

Town will be looking to pick up their first win of the season this evening when Neil Warnock’s Crystal Palace side make the trip to Portman Road. Town will be missing David Norris, Luciano Civelli, Ben Thatcher and Pablo Counago while Jaime Peters and Lee Martin are doubts after picking up injures against Leicester on Saturday.

Tamas Priskin and Connor Wickham are rumoured to be in line for starts and Alan Quinn could be involved to replace either Peters or Martin.

Town manager Roy Keane says he will speak to the officials before the game to make sure there is no bias towards Warnock's side following the goal that never was on Saturday: "We might have to remind the officials before the game that it is a new game.

"It is a big talking point and that is the beauty of football but it should not have been a talking point.

"I usually go in an hour before the game with the team sheet.

"Hopefully I won't need to remind them because they are professional and they weren't involved in that over the weekend so it should not be an issue."

Looking ahead to the game Roy added: "We had hoped to have done a touch better especially with our goal threat but that will come.

"It does take six to seven games to get going and get that real sharpness.

"We don't want to be left too far behind so early.

"I have found out before when I was Sunderland manager that it is always a tough battle against Neil Warnock's teams.

"His team are set out in a certain way and are difficult to break down.

"It is important for us not to concede because they are good at set pieces and getting the ball into the box.

"It will be a physically tough challenge and it may not be a beautiful game to watch but I have to instil in my players that we are going to get that in the championship and we need to grind out a point."

Palace will be without Stern John and Calvin Andrew. Darren Ambrose is a doubt while Alan Lee looks likely to start.

Palace manager Neil Warnock: "I really like Roy Keane and I think with them throwing money at it they will not be far away.

"They've got a lot of new players in and they will just push on as the season progresses.

"Roy has done well for the game and he put Sunderland on the map - I don't think they realise quite how much he did for them.

"He'll be back managing in the Premier League because he's just so motivated."

Got a prediction for the game? Leave it below.

Preview: Town – Palace

Discussion started by Singing The Blues (IP Logged), 18/08/2009 13:25

Singing The Blues
18/08/2009 13:25

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Billy Whizz
18/08/2009 14:09

Gotta be a win for Town - the start of this year mirrors last year - too much tinkering and players playing out of position!

Go 4-4-2

Stead and Priskin to start with Connor come on for last 30 mins.

Garvan a must in the centre with Quinn.

Stick to the same back 4 - who knows - a clean sheet in their last game may instil a bit of confidence.

Come on you Blues!

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