January 10 2001

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are preparing for tonight's big game against Liverpool in the semi-final of the Worthington Cup. The Eagles will be looking for revenge for the lost semi-final against Liverpool in the same competition in 1995.

Alan Smith will be without the suspended NEIL RUDDOCK, who sits out a ban after receiving a red card, and Tommy Black, who is banned after picking up 10 bookings.

Dougie Freedman is not eligible as he already played for Nottingham Forest in this season's Worthington Cup tournament.

Jamie Pollock returns to the squad after being left out by manager Alan Smith following a bust up over the manager's methods. Fan Zhiyi returns after a suspension.

Robbie Fowler, Christian Ziege and Djimi Traore are all injured for Liverpool while Markus Babbel faces a late fitness test.

Liverpool's Worthington Cup keeper Pegguy Arphexad is also injured so Dutchman Sander Westerveld will take his place between the sticks at Selhurst Park.

Newly signed Finnish international Jari Litmanen might make his debut for The Reds tonight.

Crystal Palace and Liverpool did well in last week's FA Cup 3rd round. Palace earned a respectable 0-0 draw at Sunderland and Liverpool beat Rotherham 3-0 at home.

The Eagles are currently 17th in Division One while Liverpool are 5th in the Premier League.