Stoke vs Crystal Palace - 5 Key Battles

2. Steven N'Zonzi vs Mile Jedinak

Another physical clash, between Stoke's tall, French midfielder and Palace's strong, midfield general. Jedinak shielded his defence superbly last weekend, and will repeat that role on Saturday. N'Zonzi has still to reach his potential, and should be looking to make a mark in Stoke's midfield this season. The Australian reads the game superbly and is a calming influence on those around him, while the Frenchman is more of an all-action player who sometimes lets the heat of the moment get to him. The midfield will be a keenly fought battle and if one team is to win the match then will have to win midfield first.
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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.