September 21 2004

Iain Dowie

Palace will be hoping a win over Hartlepool in tonight's Carling Cup tie will kick start their Premiership season.

Andy Johnson is out with a bruised calf and Mark Hudson has an ankle injury. Nicola Ventola, on a season's loan from Inter, is in line to make his first start of the season.

Boss Iain Dowie said: "We are the Premiership side and clearly favourites. But we have to move the ball like we can, create some opportunities and take our chances.

"We will do things right and in a thoughtful fashion and show Hartlepool the utmost respect.

"I'm looking forward to it but I know it will be tough. We must show them the same respect we would Manchester United."