Crystal Palace missed the chance to stretch their unbeaten streak to five games in all competitions as they were shrugged off by Southampton in the League Cup. However, they have a golden opportunity to get right back on track as they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on struggling Sunderland. The Black Cats are yet to win their first Premier League game this season under David Moyes and will be looking to finally kick-start their campaign. With just one point collected from five games, Sunderland need to improve and they have to do it really soon. Here are three key battles those could decide the game-
Damien Delaney Vs Jermain Defoe
Sunderland are still in the Premier League and the biggest reason behind it is veteran Jermain Defoe who makes age look like just a number. Even though he has a minor knock to recover from, he is the only striker at the Stadium of Light right now and is likely to play through pain. The Englishman has scored twice this season in five games and will play with a huge goal-scoring burden on his shoulders.
Crystal Palace could miss both Scott Dann and James Tomkins with injuries and therefore, Damien Delaney will have a big task on his hands to stop the former Spurs striker.
Jan Kirchhoff Vs Joe Ledley
Even though Yohan Cabaye is fit now, the Frenchman will take a bit time to come back to his true colours after coming from a long spell on the sidelines. Joe Ledley, therefore, will have a big task on his hands to control the midfield against Sunderland.
Sunderland’s midfield controller is Jan Kirchhoff who sets the foundation of the team from the deep with his defensive abilities and eye for passes. The two will battle for the dominance in midfield and the winner of this battle can very well see his side clinch a vital win.
Christian Benteke Vs Lamine Kone
What do expect from you club record signing? An instant big impact, right? Christian Benteke did exactly that since joining the Eagles this summer. Even though the Belgian has scored just once this season but his presence has made the things happen for the South London side.
The 25-year-old has won as many as 8 headers every game this season and will be a big nuisance against the Black Cats. Lamine Kone has not done exactly well this season but the 27-year-old will be assigned the big task to deal with the threat posed by Benteke.
