The first of two Sunday fixtures kicks off at 2.15pm as Crystal Palace and Newcastle United go head-to-head at Selhurst Park.
With Bakary Sako ruled out for the rest of the season, the Eagles will be looking for Christian Benteke to continue his improved recent showings up front.
The big Belgian has served up all of his attacking returns for the campaign – two goals and four assists – in the previous seven league fixtures.
Furthermore, Benteke has scored in both his top-flight home appearances against the Magpies, albeit while at Aston Villa.
As a result, he’s the most captained player for this one, handed the armband by 37,770 Fantasy Premier League managers.
With a goal and four assists in his previous six appearances, Andros Townsend has also been in fine form for the hosts, who are seeking a third straight clean sheet in front of their own fans, having kept out Man City and Burnley in recent matches.
Certainly, with home clashes against Spurs, Man United and Liverpool over the subsequent six, in addition to a trip to Chelsea, a win looks vital for Palace’s survival bid today.
Rafa Benitez’s men arrive on the back of two wins in their last three road trips, losing only to Man City in that period.
Wide men Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy have been the standout contenders over that run, with both supplying a goal and assist apiece.
However, Atsu drops to the bench as Murphy earns a recall, with loan signing Kenedy retaining his role on the teamsheet.
Like their hosts, though, Newcastle don’t have it easy after this one, with encounters against Man United, Liverpool and Spurs to follow in the next five Gameweeks.
