Crystal Palace hand Joe Whitworth shock debut for crucial Brighton clash after injury to Vincente Guaita

Patrick Vieira was forced into shock selection ahead of a crucial trip to Brighton after first-choice goalkeeper Vincente Guaita resigned with a hamstring injury.

Palace No. 2 Sam Johnstone remains on the sidelines with a calf problem.

An Eagles supporter, Whitworth is making his dream debut in a game of huge importance at arch-rivals Brighton.

Palace are just three points above the relegation zone after going 11 games without a win, a streak that has stretched through 2023 so far.

Picked ahead of Owen Goodman, Whitworth is the first academy goalkeeper to make his professional debut for his youth club in over 40 years.

He is chosen after Jack Butland was allowed to join Manchester United on loan in January. Remi Matthews also joined Scottish club St Johnstone in July.