Nugent and Ormerod have started the past few games up front but Ricketts and Dichio have been banging down the door recently. Neil Mellor and Andy Smith also showed they are close to fitness in the midweek reserve game although Agyemang is still out injured.
Simpson is looking to bring in a midfielder but still has options available. Davidson is out injured but with Mckenna likely to start he has the option of playing Sedgewick or Pugh in the centre.
Whaley looked back to something like his old self last Saturday when he came from the bench and he could well start against Palace. Lewis Neal has had two superb games and may well keep his place on the left.
The full backs are likely to remain unchanged with St Ledger pushing for a recall in place of Kelvin Wilson the only likely change at the back.
Andy Lonergan is set to make his first start for the Whites in over two years. First choice keeper Carlo Nash is out with a hamstring injury but if rumours are to be believed he could well be out of the club come the end of January. Youngster Ben Hinchcliffe is set to deputise.