Craig Mackail-Smith is in line for a return to the Albion starting line-up at Crystal Palace.

The Seagulls’ leading marksman was demoted to the bench for Tuesday’s 2-0 home win against Bristol City.

Mackail-Smith looked sharp after replacing Stephen Dobbie for the last half-hour and boss Gus Poyet is expected to turn to his nine-goal top scorer.

The Scottish international’s 11 goals for club and country last season included Albion’s early opener in the 3-1 defeat by Palace at The Amex.

Ashley Barnes is back in contention to start as well. He was also relegated to the bench against Bristol but did not get on.

Barnes has played a part in every other game this season and Poyet is likely to use him in his regular position away from home as a deep-lying, left-sided striker.

Barnes will not get the opportunity to repeat the penalty he scored to earn Albion a point in last season’s 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.

Poyet axed him from spot-kick duties after he had a second penalty this season saved in last Saturday’s stalemate against Bolton.

Top marksman Glenn Murray returns for Palace after serving a one-match suspension in the 0-0 draw at Hull City on Tuesday.