Premier League Crystal Palace prepare to host League One Stockport County in the Third Round of the FA Cup.
The match will be just the second time the two sides have faced off in the FA Cup, with Palace 2-1 victors in the Second Round tie in 1933.
Oliver Glasner will hope the Eagles can continue a run of form against Stockport that has seen Palace remain unbeaten in their last ten encounters, winning the previous three however, the last matchup between the two sides was nearly 23 years ago in 2002.
Since that fixture the fortunes of the two clubs has significantly contrasted with Palace establishing themselves as consistent presence in the top flight, whilst Stockport had to overcome the difficulty of relegation to non-league before establishing themselves back in the top four divisions of English football.
The Hatters have been on a steep upward curve in recent history, earning promotion to League Two in 2021/22 as champions of the National League. After a play-off final defeat in their first season back in the Football League, Stockport would go one better, winning League Two and promotion to League One in the previous campaign.
Dave Challinor's side are currently 7th in the third tier of English football as they compete for promotion to the Championship, and will head to Selhurst Park confident of delivering an upset despite a run of form that has seen the Hatters win just one of their last seven matches
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Team News
Crystal Palace
Oliver Glasner is likely to be without several key players with illness affecting several members of the first team squad. Maxence Lacroix, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell have all been casualties and are expected to miss out at the weekend.
Caleb Kporha has also been absent from training with illness this week but returned on Friday. In contrast Dean Henderson was sent home from training due to ill health, and Glasner has confirmed that in the England international's absence there will be a start given to Matt Turner.
Joining Turner in the starting eleven will be his former Arsenal teammate Eddie Nketiah with the Palace manager confirming the summer signing will be given an opportunity to impress from the off.
Chadi Riad will hope to feature after recovering from his knee injury, but while Matheus France has returned to training, it is likely this weekend has come too soon for the Brazilian youngster.
Will Hughes is currently questionable, and his fellow midfielder Adam Wharton will be absent with the England international not expected to return until February.
Stockport County
Stockport will be without top scorer Louie Barry after he was recalled by parent club Aston Villa. The 21-year-old striker had scored 16 goals in 24 matches for the Hatters during his loan spell.
Jay Mingi is also a doubt after picking up a knock in 1-1 draw with Birmingham City.
Challinor may choose to rotate his side in order to rest key players ahead of a key period of fixtures .
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Likely Lineups
Crystal Palace
Turner; Munoz, Chalobah, Guehi, Richards, Clyne; Lerma, Doucoure; Sarr, Eze; Nketiah
Stockport County
Hinchliffe; Southam, Connolly, Hughes, Pye, Touray; Norwood, Camps; Collar, Diamond; Wootton
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Key Players
Crystal Palace - Eddie Nketiah
After signing from Arsenal for a reported £25 million Nketiah has enjoyed a mixed time so far in South London.
Early appearances for Nketiah showed promise with the England international scoring against QPR in the EFL Cup. However Nketiah struggled to find consistency and remains without a league goal for the Eagles.
Glasner will hope an impressive header against his former side in the EFL Cup quarter-finals is the spark to ignite the 25-year-olds Palace career, and with Nketiah set to start in the FA Cup tie on Sunday, it is a fantastic opportunity for the England U21 record scorer to establish himself at Selhurst Park.
Nketiah has demonstrated superb finishing throughout his career, and offers a dynamic threat in behind, as well as a constant engine that enables the striker to press defences and diligently run the channels. Nketiah excels at carrying the ball and is capable of intricate link-up to involve his teammates.
Whilst the striker has only shown flashes of his skill set at Palace so far, Sunday provides an opportunity for the real Eddie Nketiah to arrive.
Stockport County - Oliver Norwood
Oliver Norwood joined Stockport County after departing Sheffield United at the end of his contract.
The Northern Ireland midfielder was an influential part of the Sheffield United side that has bounced between the Championship and Premier League in recent years, making 252 appearances for the Blades, including 27 in the top flight last campaign.
Norwood is a defensive midfielder who helps to break up play, can slot into defence, and pick up the ball and play progressively. The 33-year-old has a wealth of experience, including 57 international caps, and brings leadership to Stockport.
Whilst Norwood may be past his physical prime, the midfielder still possesses great football intelligence and will be pivotal if Stockport are to cause a Third Round upset.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
The Third Round tie is being played at the home of Crystal Palace - Selhurst Park in South London.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off will be at 3pm on Sunday 12 January 2025.
How can I watch?
The match has not been selected to be broadcast live in the UK.
However, match coverage will be available on BBC Sport, and highlights will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer.
