Palace v Bournemouth preview

Christian Benteke is set to start on the Crystal Palace bench as they host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

The £27m striker started against Blackpool in the EFL Cup victory on Tuesday but was substituted at half-time, with manager Alan Pardew confirming that he lacked the full match fitness needed to start.

However, there’s a chance he will come off the bench during the game at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles yet to win in the Premier League this season.

Bournemouth also picked up their first win of the season in the EFL Cup against Morecambe on Wednesday, and boss Eddie Howe hopes it will spur his side on to get their first Premier League points of the campaign this weekend. 

“This game is very important – we want to get our season started before the international break, I’m not going to downplay it.

“Wednesday [at Morecambe] was a big boost. It was a tough game and the players got some good game-time. We want our first league win now.”

Team news

Wayne Hennessey and Joe Ledley are doubts for Crystal Palace as both have been struggling with injury this week.

Steve Mandanda, who joined from Marseille over the summer, could make his Premier League debut between the posts after making his first appearance for the club against Blackpool.

Despite Wilfried Zaha not being in the right frame of mind after Tottenham’s failed transfer bid for the winger, Pardew still expects the player to feature at Selhurst Park.

Bournemouth have a clean bill of health for …

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