Apart from Hull, all of the Championship sides facing Premiership opposition in the League Cup last night were beaten. On their present form, it is difficult to see Charlton breaking that pattern at Selhurst Park tonight.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew is expected to rotate his line-up from the one beaten by Spurs on Sunday, with Joe Ledley and Connor Wickham in contention to start. Joel Ward (knee) and Marouane Chamakh (hamstring) are out while Scott Dann is a doubt with a calf problem. Pardew has targeted success in cup competitions and is expected to field a strong side.
Franck Moussa is expected to return to Guy Luzon's squad following a 10-month injury lay-off. Midfielder Cristian Ceballos and forward Simon Makienok are out injured. It will be interesting to see what side we put out. The real problem is deciding who to put up front.
The two sides have met in three seasons in the League Cup, with Palace eliminating Charlton on each occasion including in the third round in 2004-05. This is the first time the Addicks have played a Premier League side in the League Cup since October 2006, when they beat Bolton 1-0 in the third round.
Strange things can happen in football, but I am not too optimistic. On the other hand, I don't agree with those who say we will be slaughtered. 2-0 to Palace seems a likely result.
Odds: Crystal Palace 8/13, Draw 3/1, Charlton 5/1.
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