Stoke vs Crystal Palace - 5 Key Battles

3. Jonathan Williams vs Charlie Adam

Williams impressed in his second half substitute appearance on the opening Sunday of the season, providing some much needed passing and control in the heart of the Palace side. The Welsh teenager is building quite the reputation and if the Eagles are to stay up then the 3-times capped international will undoubtedly play a big part. As for Adam, he also came on in the second half for his side, and with Stoke playing at home and Hughes wanting them to handle possession better, the Scot is in line for a starting berth. One of the few technical players in the side, the ex-Rangers and Blackpool midfielder can pick out a pass with his trusted left boot. Whether he has the runners to find with his passes is another question altogether. Adam also has a penchant for, how do you say, 'nobbling' young welsh talent. He has inflicted injuries on Gareth Bale three times and is not afraid of sticking his boot in to win the ball, sometimes over-zealously. The last thing Holloway needs is yet another injury to his team.
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Reporting on football and sports at large since 2007. Written for Channel 5, BT, the PFA, the Football Ramble amongst many, many others.