Crystal Palace take on Watford at Vicarage Road this weekend on the back of an action-packed victory over rivals Brighton.
Two first half goals from Wilfried Zaha either side of a James Tomkins strike was enough to cancel out strikes from Glenn Murray and Jose Izquierdo and give the Eagles the three points.
The result leaves Palace 16th in the table with 34 points from 34 games, and more importantly eight points clear of Southampton who currently occupies the final relegation spot.
Their opponents Watford, on the other hand, are on a terrible run of form, having not won in their last five outings.
Last time out a stoppage-time winner from wide-man Tom Ince meant they went down 1-0 to Huddersfield, and although they aren’t right in the relegation dog fight they will be anxiously looking over their shoulders should they lose the next couple of games.
With that, we have picked out a number of key battles in what could be a very important fixture for both sides…
Wilfried Zaha vs Sebastian Prodl
Wilfried Zaha has been in fine form as of late, scoring twice in the victory over Brighton and also in the draw at Bournemouth. Should Zaha find the net on Saturday, it will be the first time the winger has scored in three consecutive games.
Sebastian Prodl could be key in keeping the Ivorian quiet and is a mainstay of the Watford defence. Known for his combative style, Prodl will have to be on top of his game if Watford are to get anything from the match.
Luka Milivojevic vs Etienne Capoue
These two players both play in the middle of the park and are key to their side doing well. Milivojevic is Palace’s top scorer this season, and although the majority are penalties, he does have an eye for goal and should be tracked closely.
Capoue has been playing as part of a midfield three recently and could have Will Hughes and Abdoulaye Doucoure beside him at the weekend, meaning the three will change positions and prove difficult to handle.
Troy Deeney vs Mamadou Sakho
Deeney is Watford’s captain and second top PL goalscorer behind Abdoulaye Doucoure this season. However, he offers a lot more than just goals, as he is a real physical presence up top who is not afraid to rough defenders up and work tirelessly for the team.
Sakho will likely be the man tasked with marking the big centre-forward and certainly won’t shy away from the battle. No small man himself, Sakho will have to use all of his experience if he is to stop Deeney creating chances at the weekend.
Roberto Pereyra vs Joel Ward
Pereyra is one of Watford’s main creative sparks in the absence of Brazilian winger Richarlison. Although he has only scored four times this season, Pereyra is known for his trickery which on his day can be very difficult to defend against.
Ward has made 16 PL appearances this season, and has played regularly on the right side of the defence as of late. The English-man will have to keep Pereyra and others under control if Palace have any chance of a positive result.
