Reading boss Steve Coppell is expected to make changes to the side which beat West Brom 3-2 in a thrilling FA Cup third round replay for the trip to Crystal Palace.

The Championship leaders opted to rest several key players against the Baggies in midweek but the likes of Marcus Hahnemann, Nicky Shorey, Glen Little, Bobby Convey and top-scorer Dave Kitson should all return.

That would mean a return to the fringes for Graham Stack, Chris Makin, John Oster, Stephen Hunt and Shane Long.

Midweek hat-trick hero Leroy Lita could have done enough to earn himself a starting berth alongside Kitson at Selhurst Park.

Senegal international Ibrahima Sonko missed Tuesday's game with a sore throat but is expected to make the trip to south east London.

Palace welcome back Tom Soares and Fitz Hall.

Midfielder Soares looks certain to shake off the hamstring injury that kept him out of last weekend's 2-1 win at Hull, while defender Hall is available once more after missing the last two matches through suspension.

Eagles boss Iain Dowie will give late fitness tests to centre-back Tony Popovic (hamstring) and midfielder Mikele Leigertwood (thigh), and is hopeful both will recover in time.

But Dowie is still without winger Marco Reich (foot) as well as defenders Danny Butterfield (pelvis) and Danny Granville (knee).

Palace will have their work cut out to extend their six-match winning streak against Reading, who have not lost a league match since the opening day of the season.