PREM: Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough preview

Crystal Palace v Middlesbrough preview

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce is expecting to still be without captain Scott Dann for Saturday's Premier League clash at home to Middlesbrough.

Crystal Palace pair Scott Dann and Bakary Sako are expected to remain sidelined by hamstring injuries

The defender is back in training following a hamstring problem but is unlikely to feature and winger Bakary Sako is in a similar position, although Jeffrey Schlupp is back having overcome his own hamstring complaint.

Allardyce also revealed both Mathieu Flamini and Loic Remy are sidelined following unspecified knocks as the Eagles go in search of just their second win under the former England boss. 

Middlesbrough have concerns over three full-backs.

Antonio Barragan (hamstring) is not expected to feature while Calum Chambers (stress fracture) and George Friend (calf) are also doubtful having not trained with the group this week.

Unsettled forward Gaston Ramirez will be hoping to return to the starting XI for the first time since early January and Adlene Guedioura could start for the first time, against his former club. 

Teams:

Crystal Palace (from):  Hennessey, Mandanda, Speroni, Ward, Kelly, Tomkins, Delaney, Sakho, Van Aanholt, Fryers, McArthur, Milivojevic, Ledley, Townsend, Kaikai, Cabaye, Zaha, Campbell, Schlupp, Lee, C Benteke. 

Middlesbrough (from):  Valdes, Guzan, Chambers, Fabio, Friend, Gibson, Espinosa, Ayala, Husband, Fry, De Roon, Clayton, Forshaw, Leadbitter, Downing, Stuani, Traore, Fischer, Negredo, Gestede, Bamford.