Crystal Palace host Leeds United at Selhurst Park this afternoon, and it will be a very important game for Patrick Vieira as the side have had a slow start to their Premier League season.

The Eagles are currently struggling for points, tallying just six from a possible 21 over their first seven outings, and as a result they are in danger of falling into a relegation battle should they not start picking up points more consistently very soon.

As a result, the Palace manager will be searching for solutions to inject some confidence and momentum into his side, and a change of personnel in the line-up could be just what's needed to start winning some games.

One man who could be a game-changer for Vieira against Jesse Marsch's side today is Jean Philippe-Mateta, a late substitute against Chelsea last week, and unleashing the striker could pay off massively for Palace.

The Frenchman only had 13 starts in the Premier League last season but was signed on a permanent deal in February to remain at Selhurst Park after joining on loan from Mainz 12 months previously, earning a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Mateta has scored nine goals and delivered one assist over 42 appearances for Palace, but with more consistent opportunities to perform, he could be a real threat for Vieira to deploy over the season ahead.

Steve Parish has heaped praise on the 25-year-old when reflecting on the player's impact in the team, stating of Mateta: “He is a fantastic story and doesn’t get enough mention.

“Any footballer who wants to watch somebody who has always got a positive mental attitude on the pitch and is encouraging people, spurring people on, keeps running and trying – he is a model professional. He does loads of extra work, is always looking to improve himself."

Despite only starting twice and averaging 33 minutes per appearance so far this season, Mateta has scored one goal, taken 1.7 shots and won 1.8 duels per game, along with completing 67% of his dribbles, showing how he has made the most of his limited game-time.

With that in mind, Vieira will be desperate for his team to pick up all three points, and the talented 25-year-old striker could terrify Leeds if he is given the nod to start alongside Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha today.