Despite last season’s double over Palace, Selhurst Park traditionally has not been a happy hunting ground for the Town, having only won there three times in 24 attempts. However, having won the last three games including this season’s 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road, The Eagles may just be beginning to think we are becoming their bogey team.
Crystal Palace come into Saturday’s game at Selhurst Park after a 1-0 win against Southend United on Tuesday night.
Palace are nine points ahead of Luton but Palace boss Peter Taylor is looking over his shoulder at the relegation pack knowing that a poor run could drag them down while looking up and believing that winning nine of their remaining twelve games could give them an outside chance of the play-offs.
Of course there is also the ongoing vebal feud between Mike Newell and Palaces Muppett chairman Simon Jordan (pictured above) after their alleged discussions about the Palace manager’s position prior to their appointing Peter Taylor. Just perhaps Mike will have that extra incentive to motivate the troops for one of their recently all to rare ‘special’ performances?
The bookies odds are Palace 4/6 favourites to win the game, 5/2 the draw and 7/2 on a Luton win.
Vital Quotes:
Crystal Palace Team News:
Palace may have to make changes after Tuesday’s game, with Paul Ifill picking up an achilles injury which could see him sidelined.
Also ruled out are Jobi McAnuff (hamstring), Shefki Kuqi (knee), Stuart Green (shoulder) and Ben Watson (thigh).
Better news for Palace is the return of Tom Soares to the squad after a three match suspension.
Player to watch: Jamie Scowcroft
Scored at Kenilworth Road and will be looking to do the same again.
Luton Town Team News:
Luton will be without defender Sol Davis who is still suspended following his red card in last weekend’s match at Stoke City. He will be serving the second game of a three game suspension.
Finnish defender Markus Heikkinen is also suspended, but Luton hope to welcome back Leon Barnett to partner the fast improving Keith Keane in central defence.
Chris Coyne and Russell Perrett are still unavailable and Northern Ireland striker Warren Feeney is probably still a couple of games off a return.
Better news is that Drew Talbot and Dean Morgan should have shaken off their midweek knocks to remain in the squad.
Player to watch: Bjorn Runstrom
Looks a class act and his home debut goal will have spurred him on.
Match Facts & Stats
To see AWK’s excellent seperate article click here.
Ref Watch:
Scott MATHIESON (Cheshire)
Linos Chris Francis (Cambs)( I’ve been on games with him over the years and a good lad) and John Hayto (Essex)
Match Prediction:
Crystal Palace 2-1 Luton 🙁
But I’m prepared to be proved wrong again!
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 27 February 2007 Home v Norwich City 7-45 pm
aturday 3 March 2007 Home v Wolves 3 pm
