The Dugout Discussion – Crystal Palace vs QPR

Gameweek 29 kicks off with a tantalising London derby, as Crystal Palace lock horns with Queens Park Rangers in a 12.45pm kick off. A win for Alan Pardew’s troops would see them close the gap on 11^th-placed Newcastle United, while three points for Chris Ramsey’s side would propel the R’s out of the dreaded relegation zone.

Jason Puncheon – who served up three assists against West Ham – is thriving in a central role and will likely be the hosts’ chief creative outlet. Pardew also has Glenn Murray available again- the striker served his one-match suspension and will look to build upon his three goals in the last two appearances for the Eagles: he starts ahead of Dwight Gayle.

The R’s are in desperate need of three points having only recorded a solitary win since these two outfits last met in late December. Sitting only two goals shy of the Premier League’s top scorers this campaign (Sergio Aguero and Diego Costa), Charlie Austin remains QPR’s best hope of escaping the drop. The 25-year-old striker bagged two goals in his last three starts and attempted more shots (15) than any other forward across his previous two matches. Winger Matt Phillips, with four assists in four, will also be key to their chances of overturning Palace.