Team news and likely line-ups for Hull City v Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, November 23, 2013. Join Brad Rial for interactive commentary from the KC Stadium from 3pm and read a match report at full-time.
Influential pair Allan McGregor and Robbie Brady are both expected to be welcomed back to face Crystal Palace as Hull City's injury problems begin to ease ahead of a hectic finale to 2013. McGregor has not played since suffering a thigh muscle in the 2-1 defeat to Everton, while Brady has been troubled by the after-affects of a hernia operation six weeks ago.
The international break has allowed McGregor and Brady to make good progress and manager Steve Bruce says both are under consideration for comebacks. Steve Harper and David Meyler appear in danger of losing their places from the side that lost 4-1 at Southampton a fortnight ago.
The positive news about McGregor and Brady is offset somewhat by the loss of Stephen Quinn. A recurrence of a hamstring injury suffered in pre-season may rule Quinn out for the remainder of 2013. He joins Sone Aluko in the treatment room but it is hoped James Chester will soon be fit to return after eight weeks out with a hamstring injury.
Bruce is expected to revert to a flat back four following the heavy loss to Southampton. A 4-4-1-1 system, with Robert Koren playing behind Yannick Sagbo, could be preferred.Crystal Palace have shrugged off another uncertain week at Selhurst Park to prepare under caretaker boss Keith Millen, meaning changes will be minimal from the side that held Everton to a 0-0 draw two weeks ago. The biggest injury headache surrounds wideman Jerome Thomas, who picked up a knock in training at the start of the week.
The former West Brom and Charlton star is rated as doubtful but his potential absence could be eased by the return of Jonny Williams, who played 45 minutes for the development team in midweek. Injuries have hit the Eagles hard and they will again be missing key players.
Last season's top goalscorer Glenn Murray will not play again until January after knee surgery at the end of last season, while Paddy McCarthy (groin), Jack Hunt (ankle) and Adlene Guedioura (broken ribs) are also out. Former City defender Damien Delaney has overcome a minor injury scare to travel and he is expected to line up alongside Danny Gabbidon in defence.
A 4-2-3-1 shape has worked well of late and former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh will be the man tasked with leading the line.
