November 22 2002

Crystal Palace

Saturday sees Palace take on Grimsby Town at Selhurst Park.

Having lost their unbeaten run at Norwich last weekend, Trevor Francis’ men go into Saturday’s game looking for a positive result to boost the current points tally which stands at 24 points from 18 games.

Hayden Mullins returns from suspension however Danny Granville will have to serve a one match ban having picked up five yellow cards. Having pulled out of last Saturday’s league game at the last minute, Tony Popovic should return to the centre of the defence.

Wayne Routledge and Dougie Freedman are both still out with injuries and so will not be able to feature. This could give another starting chance to Tommy Black who so far this season as not made many first team appearances.

Grimsby’s league position is not looking too good at the moment with the Mariners hovering just one place above the relegation zone having collected just 17 points from 19 games.

Manager Paul Groves has a couple of injury worries with both Tony Gallimore and Stacy Coldicott (oi oi!) having picked up knocks last weekend which has meant that the pair could be doubtful for the trip to Selhurst on Saturday.