5. Crouch vs Palace - Centre Backs
We all know what Peter Crouch is about. A giant bean pole, stereotypical good touch for a big man, capable of being an effective attacking force or an anonymous stroller. Scored the winning goal in the San Siro against AC Milan, picked up a red card in the Bernabeu. He moved to
Stoke for £10 million but 22 goals in 79 competitive games have not provided full value for City. However, when the alternatives are Kenwyne Jones and Cameron Jerome, Crouch still gets picked first. He will be up against Danny Gabbidon and Damien Delaney, two solid if slightly defenders, who will relish a physical battle. Despite being so tall, Crouch can be muscled off the ball and his size and awkwardness often means it is he who gets penalised for fouling, not defenders. If the centre backs can keep Crouch quiet then it is hard to see where Stoke's threat in open play will come from.