Palace have not had much joy against Leicester or on opening days of the season in recent years. They have lost their last three matches against the Foxes, failing to score in all three games, and have beaten them at Selhurst Park only twice in the last 15 years.
Palace fans, who have seen their team lose their first match four seasons in a row, will be hoping they can make a winning start under new manager George Burley – and make a fresh start after the club’s struggles on and off the pitch last season.
Vital Quotes:
George Burley
‘Ideally we could’ve done with the season starting in about two weeks’ time. There are still a lot of balls up in the air. It is going to be a tough start – the first month will be a big test because we don’t have a full squad together yet. We’ve made good progress but we’ve got a bit more to do.
‘But there is an optimism around the club. I was at a reserve game on Tuesday night and an agent I was with said that everybody was smiling and happy.’
Crystal Palace Team News:
Midfielder Neil Danns is suspended after his red card at the end of last season. New captain Paddy McCarthy should start after overcoming an Achilles problem.
David Wright has a hamstring injury and is doubtful, while fellow new boys Adam Barrett and Andy Dorman are set to start. Palace hope to have red tape cleared in time for Owen Garvan to play.
Player to watch: Ambrose
20 goals last season from midfield, will he do it again
Leicester City Team News:
Leicester striker Paul Gallacher could start despite having a thigh injury. Aleksandar Tunchev is missing with a knee injury.
Player to watch: Fryatt
Very dangerous in front of goal
Last meeting
Last meeting
Palace 0-1 Leicester City
Tuesday March 16 2010
Palace: Speroni, Butterfield, Hill, Davis, Clyne (Lawrence 46), Ambrose (Scannell 79), Derry, Ertl, Danns,Andrew, Lee (Hills 46).
Not Used: John, Carle, Djilali, N’Diaye.
Leicester City: Weale, Solano, Morrison, Hobbs, Berner, Oakley, King, Wellens, Dyer (N’Guessan 80), Gallagher (Adams 86), Waghorn (Howard 64).
Not Used: Logan, Neilson, McGivern, Kermorgant.
Match Prediction:
2-0 to Palace
Next Fixtures:
Yeovil v Crystal Palace Tue 10th of Aug 7:45pm