BEN’S ON A TUES CRUISE

Leeds beware... only Shearer and Rooney have more goals on this day of the week than Palace striker

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE might not need lucky omens after rediscovering his form under Patrick Vieira.

But the Crystal Palace striker does have a quirky stat on his side as he prepares to face Leeds tonight.

Only Alan Shearer, with 15, and Wayne Rooney, with 13, have scored more goals than Benteke’s 12... on a Tuesday during the Premier League era.

Palace boss Vieira laughed when he was told that at his pre-match press conference yesterday and said: “I may have to start him tomorrow, then!”

Benteke, 30, has already scored five goals for club and Belgium this season having previously gone nearly a year – between April 2018 and April

2019 – without scoring.

But not only has he found his form in front of goal, the £27million striker’s all-round game has blossomed under Vieira.

The Eagles boss feels his side are playing to Benteke’s strengths while Odsonne Edouard and loan signing Jean-philippe Mateta are also providing competition.

“I’m really pleased with Christian’s form at the moment.

He’s working really well, working hard for the team and most importantly he’s scoring goals,” added Vieira.

“He’s playing with a lot of confidence and the way we play, the amount of possession that we have has allowed him to touch the ball a bit more, create more chances.

“And the fact we want to defend higher up the field has allowed him to be more involved in the game and that suits him.

“As well the fact we have Edouard and JP as well brings out the best in him because maybe he needs the competition around him to challenge him.

“I didn’t teach him how to score goals. I will be happy if he gets into double figures – I think he can do that easily.”

Vieira’s team have been on a good run which was interrupted by Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa.

The Palace boss paid tribute to former boss Roy Hodgson for his role in helping him settle in so quickly.

“It’s all credit to the previous manager. Roy developed the players and the club into something that allowed me to come straight in and work,” said Vieira.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

LEEDS: Meslier, Shackleton, Llorente, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Raphinha, Forshaw, Rodrigo, Harrison, James.

PALACE: Guaita, Ward, Tomkins, Guehi, Mitchell, Gallagher, Kouyate, Eze, Edouard, Benteke, Zaha

ONWARD CHRISTIAN Benteke is ready to add to his Prem tally tonight