It'll be interesting to see how Benteke responds to fresh competition.

Not that I'm expecting him to score, although that would be nice. Moreover I'll be looking at his link up play which was impressive until his red card. Post red has seen the return of the all too familiar. If we get the pre red Benteke then we will possess an attacking threat.

Tomkins out is a big blow. The defence has looked a lot sturdier with him marshalling it. It will be tested tonight by the inform Spammers. No PVA please.

In midfield alot will depend on McArthur. Hopefully the rest has him charging on all cylinders. The rest are hit and miss although i would like to see Riedewald played in front of the back four.

Given all of this Im going for a fortunate 1-1 score draw.

Our elderly squad has had 2 weeks off to rest and prepare for this. I expect them to be fighting fit and come out all guns blazing. 2-0 to the Mighty Palace.

The last 2 teams we have beaten are WBA who were reduced to 10 men in the first half and Sheff Utd, both sides struggling in the relegation zone.

Should we lose tonight, this will mean only 1 win in our last 9 PL games and I fear we will be plunged into a gargantuan relegation battle.

we have at times played very respectably during those times - away at Arsenal and West Ham - spam are getting their act together, but we'll have a good idea of any relegation battle after the next 7 games, not tonight - our fixtures in March and April are horrendous. You may be being uncharacteristically premature there Willo (no inunendos from the rest of you - please).

there may be call for a bit of social distancing at some point

'but we'll have a good idea of any relegation battle after the next 7 games'.

After the next seven games there will not be a relegation battle. It starts tonight.