Darren Ambrose thinks his Crystal Palace (7/2 to win on match coupon) side can lift some of the gloom around Selhurst Park by beating Premier League Aston Villa this afternoon.

The former Charlton, Newcastle and Ipswich midfielder has endured a difficult time of late, as Palace have slipped into administration, have reported debts of £30 million and have had 10 points deducted.

Despite all the off-the-field problems, Ambrose claims Neil Warnock has banned frowns from the club and confidence is high throughout the Palace squad as they prepare to face Villa (4/5 to win, 5/2 draw on match coupon) in the FA Cup fifth round.

The 25-year-old has said Palace are “not afraid” of any side that visits Selhurst Park, but Warnock will be hampered for this tie as he faces a defensive headache as Matt Lawrence, Claude Davis and Lee Hills could all be missing.

“It is going to be a difficult place for them to come. Hopefully we can put on another good performance, get to the quarter-finals and who knows what can happen then,” said Ambrose.

“If they have an off day and we have a good day, then just three more good results and we can win the cup.”

Villa boss Martin O’Neill could be without Stilyan Petrov and Gabriel Agbonlahor due to injuries however is able to welcome back Emile Heskey (11/2 to be first goal scorer on match coupon) and Stephen Warnock into his squad.