Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest preview

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James Vaughan needs a late fitness check ahead of Crystal Palace’s clash with Nottingham Forest.

Vaughan is rated 50-50 with an ankle injury in what will be the final match of his loan spell from Everton.

Fellow strikers Steffen Iversen and Pablo Counago are in line to return to the squad.

Iversen missed last week’s draw at Hull with an ankle knock and Counago was absent through illness.

Manager Dougie Freedman is also boosted by the return of midfielder Neil Danns and winger Sean Scannell from suspension.

Left-back Lee Hills (knee) and midfielder Alex Marrow (ankle) remain long-term absentees for Palace, who secured their Championship survival with the point they picked up at the KC Stadium.

Robert Earnshaw is suspended as Forest look to secure a play-off spot.

The Wales international will serve a one-match ban after he was sent off during the home victory against Scunthorpe.

Fellow striker Robbie Findley remains a doubt after missing last weekend’s game with a thigh problem.

Boss Billy Davies has a selection poser at left-back after Paul Konchesky returned to Liverpool at the end of his loan spell. Joel Lynch (thigh) remains sidelined, so Davies must pick from Julian Bennett, Chris Cohen or Chris Gunter.

Forward Nathan Tyson continues to struggle with the thigh injury that has seen him miss the last three matches.

A draw will confirm a top-six spot for Forest, who have a superior goal difference over seventh-placed Leeds.