Team News: Injured Kevin Nolan absent for West Ham United, Mauro Zarate makes first start

Mauro Zarate will make his first competitive start for West Ham United this afternoon when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The diminutive forward has replaced Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan, who is absent from the matchday squad with an injury, in the starting lineup.

Sam Allardyce has also made a change in defence, with James Tomkins replacing James Collins.

The home side - who are still without a permanent manager after Tony Pulis left the club on the eve of the season - have also made two changes to the side that lost in 2-1 in injury time to Arsenal last weekend.

Barry Bannan has come into the side to replace Jason Puncheon, who was sent off in the loss at the Emirates Stadium, while Damien Delaney has replaced the injured Scott Dann at centre-back.

Crystal Palace: Speroni; Kelly, Hangeland, Delaney, Ward; Bannan, Jedinak, Ledley, Bolasie; Chamakh, Campbell

West Ham United: Adrian; O'Brien, Reid, Tomkins, Cresswell; Downing, Kouyate, Noble; Vaz Te, Zarate, Cole

You can follow Sports Mole's live text commentary of today's game between Crystal Palace and West Ham here.