Crystal Palace surprised many with their sprint up the early season table. Following a sluggish start, they embarked on a 13 match unbeaten run that stretched from the start of September until the middle of November.

Palace have won eight and drawn five of their league matches at Selhurst, with their sole defeat coming in the season’s opener against Watford.

Their recent form has been indifferent, the Eagles have won just one of their last nine matches and drawn four of their last five at home. They also had a long and fruitless journey to Huddersfield on Wednesday.

Palace have a pacy and creative midfield to supply the prolific Glenn Murray with chances. Palace added veteran Blackpool striker, Kevin Phillips, and Brighton’s Stephen Dobbie to their ranks on Thursday. The two loanees will give Ian Holloway more options up front, as he seeks to get the Eagles back to the form they showed earlier in the season.

Chris Powell’s attempts to wheel and deal in the market were thwarted when the Football League refused to accept any new registrations from Swindon on Thursday. Loan deals had been agreed for Danny Green and Bradley Wright-Phillips to switch to the County Ground and the duo had passed medicals in Wiltshire.

Whether Powell considers either to be in the right mental state to be involved for Selhurst is doubtful.

While Palace are strong going forward, they are vulnerable at the back and Charlton’s best chance of getting a result would probably be to adopt an attacking game plan. Powell is a cautious coach though and will probably stick with his recent 4-5-1 formation and try to frustrate the opposition.

Rhoys Wiggins played in the development squad match at Colchester on Monday and could be in line for a recall, though he may have to be content with a place on the bench this time. Danny Haynes may also be fit enough to be involved, his pace would be a useful weapon.

Charlton could line-up like this:

Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Evina; Wilson, Pritchard, Stephens, Jackson, Wagstaff; Kermorgant.

Subs: Button, Wiggins, Cort, Dervite, Cook, Haynes, Fuller.

Senior Premier League whistler, Mark Halsey, will be the man in charge.

Much will depend on how Charlton approach the game. If they make a bright and positive start, the Addicks may cause Palace to lose confidenece, given the Eagles relatively poor recent form. If they sit back though, the visitors could play into Palace’s hands.