December 13 2018

Martin Kelly

Hunter Young looks at the major player battles as Crystal Palace host Leicester City in the Premier League.

Palace struggled yet again last week as they fell to defeat against West Ham despite taking an early lead. The current bad run that Palace are on has caused some speculation about the future of Roy Hodgson with the Eagles perched only two points outside of the relegation zone.

The Foxes of Leicester are in a much better position in the table’s top half, and just four points off the top six. Leicester have also been in good form recently and were undefeated in six league games before last week’s loss to Tottenham.

Martin Kelly v Kelechi Iheanacho

With star striker Jamie Vardy a doubt for this match due to an injury, Kelechi Iheanacho will likely start in his place. The Nigerian has scored just once this season and will need to step up to fill the void left by Vardy and his team-leading goal tally. Despite the goals being in short supply, Iheanacho has contributed by leading creating the most assists.

James Tomkins will be kicking himself after picking up a booking for dissent deep into injury time in last week’s defeat. He will be forced to miss this match due to a suspension for yellow card accumulation, making a Martin Kelly start very likely. This could be a crucial match for Kelly as he looks to hold onto the third centre-back spot ahead of the returning to fitness Scott Dann.

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Luka Milivojevic v James Maddison

Palace were reportedly linked to the former Norwich man James Maddison over the summer. The young Englishman has been the Foxes' standout player with five goals and plenty of moments of brilliance. With Vardy missing the match, Maddison will be the focal point of Leicester’s attack and must be treated accordingly.

One of the deciding factors in this match will be how effective Luka Milivojevic can be in limiting the impact of Maddison upon the game. The captain will also have to improve his ball security in Palace’s half of the pitch. Too many times this season an errant pass or loose dribble have put Palace in tough positions. If Milivojevic turns it over, do not expect Maddison to let the opportunity go to waste.

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Andros Townsend v Wes Morgan

Wes Morgan had defied the odds by maintaining his place in the team despite his advanced age, the emergence of Harry Maguire, and the summer arrival of multiple centre-backs. The veteran Jamaican is one of the few remaining regulars from the title-winning season and has worn the captain’s armband since 2012.

This match will also see Wilfried Zaha suspended, which will place more pressure on Andros Townsend’s shoulders to carry the struggling Palace front line. Townsend could look to attack Morgan on the dribble as he does not have the speed he used to and has had red card issues this season. Morgan is the only player in the top flight with two red cards so far, and if Townsend can bait him into a third, it would give Palace the upper hand.

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