Bristol City v Palace

Ashton Gate, Tuesday 7.45pm

Story so far

That underdog tag is well and truly out once more - possibly for the final time this season. Probably for the final time this season. I'm not being defeatist but we have a huge battle in front of us.

The first leg can be called nothing but a disappointment. We didn't play well, we didn't peform but at the same time, we weren't particularly troubled - bar one very well worked goal and a wonder strike.

A first leg home deficit has never been overcome in the history of the play-offs. We're a goal down at half-time against one of the best home sides in the division. James Scowcroft, our only reliable target man, is crocked and we're playing against a half decent team.

However, it isn't over. We do have a chance. That underdog status is back, which has served us so well under Warnock. We know what we need to do to give ourselves a chance. Win. It's simple. All we need to do is win.

We'll have a game plan. We'll have some fight. We need to lose the fright that seems to overcome the team at Selhurst. We need to go to Bristol with a roar. We will go to Bristol with a roar.

This is war. The only difference is we are not Lions being led by donkeys. We're the Eagles being led by a cunning old weasel.

Team news

Palace will have to make do without forward James Scowcroft who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Scowcroft thought he had recovered from the problem after appearing as a second half substitute in Saturday's 2-1 defeat against City but pulled up within six minutes of coming on and was stretchered off.

Defender Matt Lawrence suffered no complaints from recent hernia surgery when he came off the bench in the same game and will take his place in the squad. Midfielders Neil Danns and Mark Kennedy are definitely out.

Bristol City manager Gary Johnson is set to name an unchanged side from Saturday's triumph at Selhurst Park. Steve Brooker (hamstring) is a doubt, while Lee Johnson is pushing for a starting role.

Lee Johnson could force his way back into the side after coming on towards the end of City's 2-1 first-leg victory.

Johnson said: "Everybody is fit and it's great that the ones who weren't fit are getting fitter. Brooker and Lee are just getting their fitness, they've had a couple of cameo roles if you like.

"All a manager wants is all his staff available for selection because it gives him greater options."

Quotes

Roy Hodgson

"[I was] obviously disappointed that we conceded what was a fantastic goal. You have to take your hat off really because I don't think you could see a better goal than that. But, it is that type of goal that will beat 'Jules'. I think he has done ever so well this season.

"They scored two fantastic goals but I don't think with the first one, although it was a planned free-kick, it wasn't supposed to be him (Carey) who put it in - he hasn't scored for five years! But that is how it goes, you take your chances and you get the lead.

"We will go there as massive underdogs now. I don't think it has been done before. In the play-Offs, it would make history if we turn the deficit around away from home. But that is what records are for aren't they? It makes another great challenge for us.

"We don't fear playing anybody away from home. I think we have the best away record in the league regarding conceding goals.

"It can only be a great experience for some of the youngsters because you don't get these sorts of atmospheres and pressures from normal league games. It can only stand them in good stead."

Gary Johnson

"We're asking everybody to get Ashton Gate rocking. It should be a cracking atmosphere and the fans have a massive role to play.

"They can create a cauldron of positive noise to help our boys on their way. Our support here in Bristol is such a confidence boost for players on the pitch and this group of lads respond to a home noise.

"I don't want anyone to leave Ashton Gate with their voice still intact. They've done that all season. They know that when they get going, the players get going as well.

"You only have to look at the number of late goals we've got this season to see how the crowd can affect games at Ashton Gate.

"The more often a thing happens, the more people believe in it and our supporters believe in this team. The beauty of our situation is that we can afford to take it as it comes.

"Of course, you're looking to attack more than you defend, especially at home. But we'll defend when we have to and attack whenever the opportunity arises.

"I don't think you can set out to defend a lead and we never play for a draw. Palace only need a goal to be right back in the game, but if we score first, we'll be in a fantastic position of strength."

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Bristol City - league stats

Position	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Points
4th	46	20	14	12	74

Full league table

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Bristol City - current form

Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against
5	2	1	2	7	5

Full form table

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Our away record v Bristol City

Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against
36	8	12	16	31	58

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Last five results

Date	Type	Home Team	Score	Away Team
10/05/2008	League	Crystal Palace	1 - 2	Bristol City
18/02/2008	League	Bristol City	1 - 1	Crystal Palace
19/01/2008	League	Crystal Palace	2 - 0	Bristol City
12/12/1998	League	Bristol City	1 - 1	Crystal Palace
14/11/1998	League	Crystal Palace	2 - 1	Bristol City

All time results

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One to watch

Nick Carle

Ref watch

Referee: H M WEBB
Assistants: D J Cann and M Mullarkey
Fourth Official: M Atkinson

Last meeting

Palace 1-2 Bristol City

Saturday May 10 2008

Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Hudson, Fonte, Hill, Soares, Watson, Derry (Lawrence, 76), Moses (Scowcroft, 55(Ifill, 61)), Sinclair, Morrison

Subs not used: Fletcher, Scannell

Goals: Watson 87 pen

Bristol City: Basso, Orr, McCombe, Carey, McAllister, Carle, Noble (Johnson 90), Elliott, McIndoe, Adebola, Trundle (Fontaine 90)

Subs Not Used: Weale, Sproule, Byfield

Goals: Carey 53, Noble 90

Bookings: Elliott

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