Crystal Palace vs Newcastle preview: Yohan Cabaye faces former club for the first time

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Yohan Cabaye: This will be the first time that the Frenchman will face his former employers after leaving Tyneside. An unsuccessful stint followed in Paris, however the creative midfielder looks comfortable back in the Premier League under the stewardship of Alan Pardew.

Weird stat…

11: Palace have not beaten Newcastle in any of their last 11 encounters.

Remember when…

Emmanuel Rivière scored a brace for Newcastle in a League Cup game between these two sides last season. Considering this accounted for two thirds of his goals at the club, it was a notable evening for the striker. Due to injury, he is yet to feature this term.

Player to watch…

James McArthur: The midfielder is an unsung hero in the centre of the park, but his contribution is paramount to Palace. Usually the most defensive option in his side’s midfield, he will give the offensive players license to attack Newcastle’s frail back four.

Past three meetings…

Crystal Palace 1 (Campbell) Newcastle 1 (Cissé), Premier League, February 2015

Crystal Palace 2 (Gayle, Kaikai) Newcastle 3 (Rivière 2, Dummett), League Cup, September 2014

Newcastle 3 (Janmaat, Aarons, Williamson) Crystal Palace 3 (Gayle, Puncheon, Zaha), Premier League, August 2014

Form guide…

Crystal Palace: LLLDWL

Newcastle: LWLDWL

Vital information…

Kick-off: 3pm

TV: Highlights on BBC1, 22.20