Townsend was not named in the Eagles' squad to take on Millwall last week, but starts alongside James McArthur, Jairo Riedewald and Jeffrey Schlupp today in a 15:00 kick-off you can watch live on Palace TV.
Another midfielder to make his return is Luka Milivojevic, who is named in his first matchday 22 of the pre-season. He starts on the bench, where Meyer is also listed.
Hodgson has again selected a range of Development talents, with prospects such as Sam Woods, Malachi Boateng and Brandon Pierrick named again alongside their senior teammates.
Twenty-one-year-old Tyrick Mitchell also retains his place at left-back.
Brøndby also name a strong side, including talented forward Simon Hedlund and adept defensive players Anthony Jung and Josip Radoševic. Find out more about the Danish side by clicking here.
Palace: Guaita, Ward, Kouyaté, Dann, Mitchell, Schlupp, Riedewald, McArthur, Townsend, Zaha, Ayew.
Subs: Henderson, Kelly, Woods, Inniss, Jach, Malachi Boateng, Meyer, Milivojevic, Kirby, Pierrick, Gordon.
Brøndby: Schwäbe, Jung, Maxsø, Rosted, Mensah, Vigen, Radoševic, Corlu, Bruus, Hedlund, Uhre.
Subs: Tørnes, Hermansen, Linstrøm, Kabongo, Skipper, Bjur, Pyndt, Rasmussen, Kvistgaarden, Børkeeit.