Captain Vincent Kompany has returned to the fold as manager Pep Guardiola makes six changes for Manchester City's trip to Crystal Palace this afternoon.

The Belgian returns to a much-changed backline after recovering from a groin injury, with only Aleksandar Kolarov retaining his place from the side that drew 1-1 with Middlesbrough at the Etihad earlier this month.

Gael Clichy and John Stones are absent from the matchday squad, with Nicolas Otamendi coming back into the fold and Bacary Sagna returning after being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Yaya Toure earns his first start of the campaign, having apologised after a dispute between his agent and Guardiola, partnering Fernandinho as protection for the back four.

Raheem Sterling and Nolito displace Jesus Navas and David Silva, joining Kevin De Bruyne as a three-pronged support for lone striker Sergio Aguero.

For the hosts, Alan Pardew makes two changes from the XI that suffered an agonising injury-time defeat to Burnley last time out as he looks to arrest an alarming run of four straight losses.

Wayne Hennessey is back between the sticks after Steve Mandanda was ruled out for several weeks with a knee injury, while James Tomkins replaces Damien Delaney in the defence.

Joe Ledley is absent from the matchday squad after suffering a knock during the international break, although Lee Chung-yong has passed a late fitness test to be named among the substitutes.

Crystal Palace: Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Tomkins, Kelly; Cabaye, McArthur, Puncheon, Townsend, Zaha; Benteke
Subs: Speroni, Delaney, Sako, Mutch, Lee, Flamini, Wickham

Manchester City: Bravo; Sagna, Kompany, Otamendi, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Yaya Toure; Nolito, De Bruyne, Sterling; Aguero
Subs: Caballero, Fernando, Zabaleta, Navas, Sane, Silva, Iheanacho

Keep up with all of the action from Selhurst Park this afternoon with Sports Mole's live text commentary here.