West Brom v Crystal Palace

Alan Pardew takes his Crystal Palace side to West Brom looking to arrest an alarming run of nine Premier League games without a win. Gareth McAuley and Craig Dawson will be available after recovering from hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively. The Northern Ireland midfielder was struck by a missile thrown from the away fans following their 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Reading last week.

Palace were without a win going into that game and will be hoping to build some momentum as they vie for a top-half finish. “They’re important for us and our fans”.

Pardew said: “The talks have progressed to a level where we are probably agreed and waiting to make sure we are a Premier League club next year which is nothing to do with Steve and more to do with me”.

There are still eight points between Palace and the bottom three, however, Pardew has acknowledged the importance of this weekend’s clash at fellow strugglers West Brom – managed by former Palace favourite Tony Pulis.

“When I get this team over the line I’ll sit down and finalise it”.

Bakary Sako is close to returning to the side following problems with his hamstring but Pardew is undecided as to whether to include him on Saturday to face the Baggies but admits he will be involved some time in the upcoming week.