Eagles unchaged for Sunderland clash

Crystal Palace manager Iain Dowie named an unchanged XI for tonight’s Nationwide First Division play-off semi-final first leg against Sunderland at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles were beaten at Coventry on the final day of the regular season, and needed a late goal from West Ham at Wigan to secure their place in the top six.

But with six wins from their final eight matches, Palace have plenty of momentum behind them and Dowie kept faith with the side which had served him so well during his five months in charge.

Defender Darren Powell has now recovered from the thigh problem which kept him out since October, and was named among the substitutes.

Mick McCarthy re-shuffled his pack from the weekend, as Mart Poom returned in goal for Sunderland following his suspension for a sending off in the league meeting between these sides last month.

Captain George McCartney returns to the backline after being rested from the win at Burnley because of a knee problem, while defender Darren Williams retains his place following a slight hamstring strain.

Jason McAteer starts in midfield after recovering from a groin injury which kept him out of the last two games.

Marcus Stewart comes into the attack alongside Kevin Kyle, with Tommy Smith on the bench and Darren Byfield dropping out of the squad altogether.