Crystal Palace will be more than a match for Stoke City, says Millen

Following the 0-0 third round draw at Selhurst Park two weekends’ ago, Palace go to the Britannia Stadium tonight as underdogs against the Premier League outfit.

Palace have lost their only match since the original tie – 1-0 at Burnley in the Championship – while Stoke were beaten 4-0 at home by Chelsea in the Premier League.

With a visit from the Premier League champions Manchester City waiting in the wings of the fourth round, the reward for the victor could not be more tantalising – but Millen insists no-one is thinking beyond tonight.

“Manchester City would be the sort of game you look forward to playing. It will be very tough, and I would imagine Stoke were a bit disappointed in the draw because I’m sure they’d like a cup run just as much as us.

“But we cannot think that far ahead, Stoke is a massive hurdle and we need to concentrate on them, otherwise all talk of playing Manchester City will be irrelevant.”

Palace’s new signing Alex Nimely is not available for selection because the striker was signed after the original Cup tie – but Alex Marrow is available after returning from his loan spell at League Two Fleetwood Town.

Owen Garvan remains on the treatment table after injuring his knee in training.

Millen said: “We have a big squad for tonight, but we’ve not decided on how we’re going to approach it team wise but we have plenty of options.

“We’ll be putting a team out that we think can win the game – niggles pending – there are a few aches and pains but nothing too serious.”

He added: “We’re looking forward to it. The Britannia is a good stadium, with a lovely pitch. We have to enjoy it and see what we can do.

“Stoke are obviously a good side but we more than matched them at home and I think we should have won the game.”

Stoke may recall Thomas Sorensen in place of Asmir Begovic, while Micheal Owen is likley to start.

Follow @zachmerton on Twitter tonight for live updates from the Britannia Stadium.