Blues look to go back on top

Birmingham City go into the game with Crystal Palace looking to regain the top spot in the table, but they look like having to do it without the services of David Murphy.

The left back picked up a knee injury on Saturday and had to be replaced at half time, if he does miss then Franck Queudrue may make his first start of the season.

A thigh injury to Radhi Jaidi picked up on international duty with Tunisia will keep him out of the side so Martin Taylor will carry on.

Defender Stephen Kelly (thigh) and midfielder Damien Johnson (back) have returned to training but should remain absentees.

There could be a place for Cameron Jerome after he found the net for Blues equaliser at the weekend, but Kevin Phillips, James McFadden, Garry O'Connor and Marcus Bent will also be competing.

As for Crystal Palace, defender Paddy McCarthy looks set to miss out in this game. He didn`t feature in the 3-0 win over Barnsley at the weekend because he dislocated his shoulder before the international break.

Also missing on Saturday was Danny Butterfield with a hamstring problem so the impressive youngster Nathaniel Clyne could keep his place.

Striker Alan Lee is close to returning from a hamstring problem but Craig Beattie will start in attack.

James Scowcroft will be out for at least another two weeks with a hamstring injury.

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