PREM: Crystal Palace v Swansea preview

Crystal Palace v Swansea preview

Crystal Palace will be able to call on Wilfried Zaha one last time before he heads to the Africa Cup of Nations when Swansea travel to Selhurst Park on Tuesday.

Palace have received special dispensation to field Ivory Coast international Zaha in a crunch clash with their fellow Premier League strugglers, who will be watched by Paul Clement after he agreed a two-and-a-half -year deal on Monday to replace Bob Bradley at the helm.

Eagles boss Sam Allardyce - who saw his team beaten at Arsenal on Sunday - has complained that Swansea have had an additional day's preparation for this fixture but is in no doubt as to the significance of the showdown with his side languishing in 17th place.

 

"Our big game's on Tuesday, there's no doubt about it," Allardyce said. "We're going to survive by beating teams in the bottom half.

"If we get a victory against one of the top boys that'll be the added bonus to get us safe quicker but our players need to get ready for Swansea."

 

Christian Benteke, Andros Townsend and Yohan Cabaye were all substituted at the Emirates with this game in mind but are expected to retain their place from the off. 

Allardyce also has Damien Delaney available again after suspension.

Swansea caretaker Alan Curtis is expected to consider changes after a fourth straight defeat against Bournemouth on New Year's Eve but will be forced into at least one with defender Jordi Amat suspended.

Wayne Routledge will be checked after missing out on Saturday with a mouth abscess, while striker Fernando Llorente is doubtful after picking up a knock against the Cherries.