City v Palace. Match preview

Last updated : 14 November 2008 By Michael Morris
Defeats in the last two games have not lost City a play off place but it's allowed the league to get a whole lot tighter. Cardiff were 3rd when Wolves came to Ninian Park 2 weeks ago but defeat against Mick McCarthy's side, and defeat at Loftus Rd last Saturday have stunted the good progress that was being made.

Palace come to Ninian Park 5 points and 10 places behinf City. A couple of good results can change everything though. There are just 10 points between the relegation spots and the play off places.

Michael Chopra will make his home debut and there is an outside chance that Ross McCormack could be involved. Just a fortnight after being ruled out for 3 / 4 weeks he could be in contention.

Jay Bothroyd is ruled out but he is targetting the derby against Swansea at the end of the month for his return. City should be boosted by the return of Mark Kennedy to face his former club. With Miguel Comminges suspended Kennedy will slot in at left back.

Darren Purse is free to play after his red card appeal was successful in midweek.

The game will be the featured match on Sunday morning's Championship show on ITV.

Latest match Sunday,
9th November 2008
PldHomeAwayOverallPtsEP
WDLFAWDLFAWDLFA
1Wolverhampton Wanderers 1670119851218151213372337+14
2Birmingham City 1660293341108943191131+8
3Reading 167102442241212934361630+20
4Sheffield United 165301223148784420928+11
5Burnley 16521127233913754212026+1
6Cardiff City 1642212825176673191425+5
7Queens Park Rangers 1661113613428745151425+1
8Ipswich Town 16332128332128664241624+8
9Swansea City 16440156224612664211824+3
10Bristol City 16242111142275664181624+2
11Plymouth Argyle 1632312103238106462020220
12Sheffield Wednesday 16521103125722646172522-8
13Derby County 16332108233912565192021-1
14Preston North End 165031311134711637202221-2
15Blackpool 1623391133289565172021-3
16Crystal Palace 16332952241012556191720+2
17Coventry City 1632391023389556171920-2
18Barnsley 16323107215512538151918-4
19Norwich City 163321310125513457182317-5
20Charlton Athletic 16314121413459448172316-6
21Southampton 16134610314915448152516-10
22Watford 163231515116915439243015-6
23Nottingham Forest 1614369116716259132511-12
24Doncaster Rovers 161342710751623117239-16