PREM: Crystal Palace v Cardiff preview

Crystal Palace v Cardiff preview

Roy Hodgson hopes Crystal Palace can build on their win over Manchester City when they host Cardiff on Boxing Day.

Palace pulled off a shock 3-2 victory at the Etihad on Saturday to move six points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

Palace had not previously scored three goals in a league game this season, and manager Roy Hodgson said: "To score three goals away from home against a team of this quality says a lot and it makes you wonder where they've been up until now. But hopefully, they'll flow."

 

The win was Palace's second in a row in the Premier League.

Cardiff, meanwhile, were beaten 5-1 at home by Manchester United at the weekend.

 

They are one of only two teams yet to win away from home in the Premier League this season, losing seven of eight matches on the road.

 

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey (back) and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate are expected to return for Crystal Palace.

Full-back Martin Kelly (adductor) is doubtful but has not yet been ruled out by Hodgson and will be assessed.

Striker Christian Benteke (knee) remains on the sidelines but is making encouraging progress and could return in the coming weeks.

 

Joe Bennett could be back in the mix for Cardiff. The full-back missed Saturday's 5-1 home defeat against Manchester United after being forced off at Watford the previous weekend, but Cardiff boss Neil Warnock says that he has returned to training.

Danny Ward is out, though, while Jazz Richards has been battling to overcome a hamstring problem.