Palace preview

Both teams will go into this match in a slightly more positive frame of mind than in recent weeks.

The Sky Blues battled back well to earn a replay from their FA Cup tie at Bristol City last week while the signing of Michael Mifsud looks on paper to be a decent one given his goalscoring record.

Palace progressed from their cup game against Swindon Town and have also dipped into the transfer market, signing Paul Ifill for £750,000 from Sheffield United.

New City striker Michael Mifsud told the club website: 'It feels great to be here. The stadium is amazing and it is a dream come true to come to England and play.

'My dream has always been to play in the Premier League and I would love to achieve that with Coventry.

'Back home in Malta everybody is a fan of English football and I can't wait to pull on the shirt and play for Coventry.

'I will have to work hard in training and I may have to wait a little while for my chance but I like to work hard and I am desperate to do well.'

Palace new-boy Paul Ifill: Paul Ifill: 'It is a nine-point gap but Palace have done it before so we can do it again.

'Having played in this league, I think it is much of a muchness.

'I think it will be Birmingham and West Brom [who go up automatically], and then four from anyone.

'There is no reason why we can't go on a run and be one of those four teams to make the play-offs.'

Mifsud could make his debut if international clearance is received.

Michael Doyle is suspended but Elliott Ward could return after a hamstring strain.

The Maltese international has a good goalscoring record and was linked with a move to the Premiership before joining City.

Not much is expected of him, just to score the goals that could rescue our season and keep Micky Adams in his job!

'We had him looked at,' said Peter Taylor, boss of Saturday's opponents - 'I didn't see him myself, but our European scout told me about him.

'We decided not to pursue it because of the forwards we already have here, but I've been told that he's dangerous - small and quick like a whippet - so we'll have to watch him carefully should he play.'

Shefki Kuqi is set to miss out after cracking a bone in his hand against Swindon Town in the FA Cup.

Peter Taylor has denied that the highly-rated midfielder is leaving Selhurst Park in January after leaving him out of the side recently.

Palace were 4-1 winners on their first visit to the Ricoh Arena in October 2005.

Graham Laws of Tyne & Wear takes charge.

An FA Cup replay for the Sky Blues against Bristol City in midweek while Palace's next game is against Hull City at the weekend.

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