Crystal Palace lock horns with Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with both clubs desperate to snap their respective four-match winless runs.
While the Eagles have dropped down to 17th in the table, the Whites are still in the 12th spot just five points adrift of the top four. As the hosts, the onus will be on Crystal Palace to break down Leeds United, who are expected to not change their style of pressing with energy and intensity.
Both Patrick Vieira and Jesse Marsch are expected to field their strongest XIs for this game and there will be a number of exciting matchups all around the field, which can decide the outcome of this game. On that note, here are three such battles to look out for at Selhurst Park this weekend.
#Wilfried Zaha vs Rasmus Kristensen
Wilfried Zaha has started the new season extremely well, netting four goals in six games. The 29-year-old forward will be the biggest threat in front of goal for Crystal Palace and Leeds United could find him difficult to contain.
An in-form Zaha will be up against Leeds United right-back Rasmus Kristensen. Kristensen, adapting to life at Leeds following his summer move from RB Salzburg, might face his toughest opponent to date in the Premier League in Zaha.
The Dane needs to be defensively at his best to keep the unpredictable Palace star quiet while offering width to the Leeds attacks. This battle between Kristensen and Zaha is surely one to keep an eye on.
#Jack Harrison vs Joel Ward
Luis Sinisterra’s one-game suspension following his sending-off against Aston Villa last weekend should see Jack Harrison being switched over to the left flank—his preferred position.
Harrison feels himself a lot more confident playing on the left as it allows him to take on players and beat them with his blistering pace and directness. The English winger has a sweet left foot with which he can strike the ball ferociously, as well as, deliver delicious crosses into the box.
An ankle injury to Nathaniel Clyne makes Joel Ward the favourite to start at right-back for Palace on Sunday. Ward will be tasked with stopping Harrison from making inroads down the right while providing attacking impetus when required.
The 32-year-old’s lack of pace is something Harrison will look to exploit time and again. So, Ward must make sure that the Leeds winger is not given space to make runs in behind, or else, he could create plenty of problems for the Eagles.
#Michael Olise vs Tyler Adams
Michael Olise is establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents, and his dribbling skills, unpredictability, movement and work ethic has seen him become a key player for Patrick Vieira’s side. He is a certainty to start in a midfield three alongside Cheick Doucoure and Eberechi Eze.
The onus of keeping Olise under control will fall on the shoulders of Tyler Adams, who will function in the double pivot with Marc Roca. Adams has quickly cemented his place in the Leeds side under Jesse Marsch, impressing with his energy, tenacity and ball-winning skills.
Thus, it will be an interesting duel between Olise and Adams, as the two will contest for midfield dominance at Selhurst Park.
