Crystal Palace One To Watch: Claude Davis

Cardiff City host Crystal Palace tonight looking to inflict more away misery on the Eagles, after a 5-0 drubbing at Derby last time out. Palace are not in the best of shape but retain some good players and would expect to be in a better position than they currently occupy.

The marquee signing of Edgar Davids was big news, but it will take time before it becomes clear whether the Dutch master remains a class act - even at Championship level. Loanee James Vaughan is a talent, while Darren Ambrose is always a threat from midfield.

However, the 'one-to-watch` for this game, is less about who might cause problems for City in a footballing sense, and more about who we should be watching for dangerous foul play. For those who don`t remember, Claude Davis put Roger Johnson in hospital with one of the most despicable challenges I have seen at a football match. In short, Davis violently struck out at Johnson as the former Bluebirds looked to challenge for a corner - the ball was not yet in and the referee missed the incident, however, Davis` elbow made strong contact with Johnson`s throat leaving the defender coughing up blood and suffering a collapses larynx. A look at TV replays showed Davis to be oblivious to the ball and solely watching Johnson - a horrible incident.

Coverage at the time included `malicious elbow` and fractured larynx` articles.

Davis is sure to get a reaction from Cardiff City fans tonight, many of whom are quick to remember and slow to forget. He would be well advised to concentrate on his football, and stay away from controversy but the Bluebirds will love to see the likes of Burke or Bothroyd running at him and making the Jamaican International look a fool.

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