Riihilahti blow for Palace

Crystal Palace are set to be without Aki Riihilahti for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership clash with Birmingham at Selhurst Park.

The Finland midfielder sustained a calf injury against Arsenal and probably needs another week before he can make a first-team return.

Palace also have a slight concern over defender Darren Powell (thigh), but boss Iain Dowie expects him to be be available for selection tomorrow.

Dowie is likely to again opt for a regular 4-4-2 formation, with Dougie Freedman up front alongside former Blues striker Andrew Johnson.

Long-term absentees Nicola Ventola (fractured ankle) and Tommy Black (broken leg) are continuing their rehabilitation work.

Team (from): Kiraly, Boyce, Hall, Sorondo, Borrowdale, Granville, Powell, Routledge, Leigertwood, Hughes, Soares, Freedman, Johnson, Speroni, Lakis, Andrews, Popovic.