Francis looks to turn play into points

Trevor Francis, the former Sheffield Wednesday manager, returns to Hillsborough tonight knowing it is time his Crystal Palace side started producing results. They sit 16th in the First Division with just 10 points from nine matches, having won only twice.

"The way we've performed in the last five weeks is not represented in our points," Francis said.

Francis has been boosted by the news that the team captain, Curtis Fleming, should be fit to return against an Owls side who lie 22nd in the table.

However, Francis has greater worries further back as goalkeeper Matt Clarke faces possible surgery and a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Gerald Sibon could be a surprise inclusion in the Owls' starting line-up. The Dutch striker was expected to be out of action for two to three weeks after damaging his knee in last Saturday's goalless draw with Leicester, but he trained with the first team squad yesterday and should be available.

Defender Ian Hendon, who had a dead leg, also came through training successfully while striker Shefki Kuqi is soldiering on despite a bruised hip.

The Stoke defender Peter Hoekstra should make his long-awaited return against Nottingham Forest after injuring his ankle eight months ago. Having sat on the bench for the 2-1 victory over Ipswich on Sunday, the Dutchman now looks set to make his First Division debut.

However Steve Cotterill, the Stoke manager, has been told that promising teenager Kris Commons is out for the rest of the season after rupturing a cruciate ligament against Ipswich.

"It's a major, major blow for Kris and the club. My heart goes out to the lad at a time like this," Cotteril said.

Paul Hart, the Forest manager, is poised to name an unchanged starting line-up as his team go in search of their third successive league win.

"This is our game in hand on most of the other teams in the division and it's important we come away with something to show for our efforts," Hart said.