The revenues of around £500,000 from this televised tie effectively bought the administrators desperately attempting to attract buyers to Selhurst Park another few weeks to uncover interest in the beleaguered Championship club. Neil Warnock’s team may now languish on the fringes of the relegation zone in the second tier, but they will still be awkward opponents for the Carling Cup finalists. Martin O’Neill will consider resting some key players – his opposite number does not have that option – though Villa should be wary given that they have not beaten Palace in south London since 1980 and were defeated by two Andrew Johnson goals on their last visit. That was in the Premier League. How times have changed. Dominic Fifield Venue Selhurst Park, Sunday 3.45pm (ITV1) Tickets £15-£20 (08712 000071) Last meeting Crystal Palace 2 Aston Villa 0 (Premier League, 3 Jan 2005) Referee K Friend Odds Crystal Palace 4-1 Aston Villa 5-6 Draw 13-5 Crystal Palace Subs from Scannell, Andrew, Lawrence, Comley, N’Diaye, Wynter, Manns, Pinney, Djilali Doubtful Lawrence (hamstring), Davis (groin) Injured McCarthy (shoulder, Mar) Suspended None Cup-tied Hills, John, Cadogan Form guide LWWWL Disciplinary record Y32 R2 Leading scorer Ambrose 15 Aston Villa Subs from Friedel, Cuéllar, Collins, L