VIKTOR FISCHER will make his first Premier League start as Middlesbrough entertain Crystal Palace this afternoon.

The Danish winger, whose only previous Boro start came at Fulham in the EFL Cup, has been promoted to the starting line-up as part of three changes the side that kicked off last month's goalless draw with West Brom.

Victor Valdes returns from injury to replace Brad Guzan in goal, with George Friend returning to the side at left-back.

Antonio Barragan shuffles across to the right-back berth, with Emilio Nsue dropping out of the starting XI.

Fischer will start on the left-hand side of midfield, with Stewart Downing lining up in the hole behind Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez dropping down to the bench.

Palace have named summer signing Christian Benteke as their lone striker, with former Newcastle winger Andros Townsend lining up on the flank.

MIDDLESBROUGH (4-2-3-1): Valdes; Barragan, Ayala, Gibson, Friend; Clayton, Forshaw; Stuani, Downing, Fischer; Negredo.

Subs: Guzan (gk), Nsue, Chambers, de Roon, Traore, Ramirez, Rhodes.

CRYSTAL PALACE (4-2-3-1): Mandanda; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Kelly; Ledley, McArthur; Townsend, Puncheon, Zaha; Benteke.

Subs: Hennessey (gk), Fryers, Tomkins, Dreher, Flamini, Lee, J Benteke.