Crystal Palace v Watford preview

Warnock: Play-off aspirations

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Crystal Palace will be aiming to boost their play-off hopes as they prepare to host Watford at Selhurst Park.

Palace head into the clash four points adrift of the Hornets, who only lie outside the top six on goal difference.

A win for the home side could bring them back into contention, but Malky Mackay's men will no doubt have other ideas.

Palace team news

Palace centre-half Paddy McCarthy could miss out again as his troublesome shoulder continues to disrupt his fitness.

The Irishman has been sidelined for the last four games and could face further surgery on the problem.

McCarthy has been passed fit to play but, with the side in good form, boss Neil Warnock will not risk him and looks set to stick with Claude Davis and Jose Fonte at centre-half.

With Stern John having joined Ipswich on loan and Calvin Andrew recovering from a cruciate injury, Warnock is light up front but should stick with veteran Alan Lee and on-loan West Ham youngster Freddie Sears.

Watford news

The Hornets have a decent away record with two wins and three draws from their last six games away from Vicarage Road.

Captain and centre-half Jay DeMerit is recovering from eye surgery so will miss out once more.

Goalkeeper Richard Lee is fit again after knee trouble and should take his place on the bench to deputise for Scott Loach.

Heidar Helguson is likely to start alongside Danny Graham up front for Mackay's side as the boss is expected to stick with the same side which comfortably beat Scunthorpe last weekend.