Eagles wait on duo

Crystal Palace will check on skipper Paddy McCarthy and midfielder Jonathan Williams ahead of the Capital One Cup trip to Preston.

Experienced defender McCarthy (groin) and teenager Williams (calf) have yet to feature for the Eagles this season but are edging closer to fitness. However, boss Dougie Freedman may opt to save the key duo for Saturday's league game against Sheffield Wednesday with his side currently bottom of the Championship following three straight defeats. Striker Glenn Murray looks set to miss out again with a knee problem. New signings Darcy Blake, Yannick Bolasie and Andre Mortiz made their debuts in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough and should be involved again while Aaron Wilbraham could start after dropping to the bench on Teesside.