Crystal Palace v Norwich City: Johannes Hoff Thorup preview

The Canaries head to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the second round of the competition, and they'll hope to retain the momentum created by a string of positive steps at Carrow Road.

Thorup won't be tempted to stick with the group that dominated in a strong showing against Sheffield United, however, and says he plans to give game time to those who've missed out on it in the Championship.

"We have to give minutes," he said, previewing the trip to south London. "What we saw [against Sheffield United] was a strong 11, but we also have players on the bench who can add some value to the team and some strong performance to the team.

"So we will change, but I also told the lads in the dressing room after that game that I was pleased with the second half, and we have to make sure that we go to Palace and build on that performance.

"We'll make sure we use all the game minutes we've got at the moment to keep on building and keep on improving. We've had a look at Palace and made sure that we have a good plan, but we will bring in a competitive side for that one."

One of those expected to build their match fitness against the Eagles is summer signing Jose Cordoba, who saw his pre-season derailed by Copa America participation and injury.

He's still played only 32 competitive minutes for Norwich since arriving for around £3million in June, but fans could finally see him start in yellow and green tonight.

Jose Cordoba could finally make his first Canaries start this evening (Image: Andy Sumner/Focus Images Ltd)

"We have to bring him into the group," Thorup continued, asked about the Panama international. "That was actually also the plan [against Sheffield United], but the reason why we only made two subs was actually because we thought we had very good momentum and very good flow in the game.

"We were a little bit aware of not killing that momentum in the game, and that was the reason why we didn't make any more changes. It was in our plans to give him some minutes, but now [the Palace game] looks like a good opportunity for him."

Home fans won't be splitting hairs over Thorup's team selection tonight, with any City side going into the game as significant underdogs. Palace remain Premier League stalwarts despite a poor start to their campaign, and will see it as an opportunity to get off the mark.

The Dane wants his players to embrace the occasion, however, and is keen to play it on their terms despite the standard of opposition. He also sees it as a chance for the squad to learn, with many of them facing English top-flight opposition for the first time in their careers.

Johannes Hoff Thorup wants his players to embrace the challenge against Premier League opposition (Image: PA)

"I think where we are now, it's a good test for us," he said. "It's good for us to see what we can do and the way that we want to do it. It's an even stronger side, so it will be a good test for us.

"Hopefully we can get to Palace on the night and make sure that we can do the things that we want to do, with all respect for them. There will be moments in the game where we have to defend, but that's also good learning.

"That's also good development for the team here, so we will take everything out of that game that we can, and make sure that we go down there strong."

City have no fresh injury concerns going into the game, but they are considering surgery for Christian Fassnacht as he deals with an Achilles issue. Jacob Sorensen will also miss several weeks with a foot injury.

Ashley Barnes has made promising steps in his recovery from calf surgery earlier this summer, but isn't expected to be in first-team contention until after next week's international break.

Abu Kamara missed that Blades draw after handing in a transfer request, but he's been training with his team-mates and has not yet been the subject of an acceptable bid.