4 Key battles for Monday’s clash against Everton

Everton lie just a point behind Palace in the league, a win on Monday night would see them overtake Palace and potentially rise as high as 6^th. They’re unbeaten in their last six and are through to the semi-final of the Capital one cup after their Tuesday night win over Middlesbrough – they’re playing well and a home game against Palace could see their run continue. Where will the key battles be on Monday night and how can Palace come away with a positive result?

Gerard Deulofeu vs Pape Souare

Deulofeu is the talk of the town at the moment. His performance mid week against Boro and this season in general confirmed the great ability and potential that the young Spaniard has. On his arrival in England last season he looked like a great prospect, but an untimely injury put pay to his chances of really taking off last season.

This season has been a different story altogether. His first game of the season didn’t come until the back end of September but since then he has got 6 assists, second only to Mezut Ozil. His pace and ability on the ball could cause Palace real trouble and it’ll be Pape Souare’s job to keep him in check, a feat which on this seasons evidence will be no mean feat.

Yohan Cabaye vs Gareth Barry

“Signing of the season” and “cut above the rest” are both phrases that have been bandied about to describe Yohan Cabaye, the diminutive Frenchman signed from PSG in the summer. His arrival in South London was met with great anticipation and he’s even overreached my lofty expectations. I’ll admit that I’d not seen a great deal of Yohan before he joined the club – his reputation was very good and I knew about his technical ability but his desire and aptitude for the defensive side of the game has impressed me most. Cabaye has so far this season accumulated the third highest amount of interceptions, he is in the top 10 of ‘tackles made per game’. Add this to his proven quality on the ball and Cabaye has it all and will make a tough opponent for the experienced Barry.

Lukaku vs Dann

There is a lot of talk about the potency of Everton’s attack at the moment and, like Deulofeu, Lukaku is bang in form. He’s been drawing praise from all corners of the press and deservedly so, with 6 in his last 5 games it seems he is scoring for fun but it’s not just about the goals. He has the highest amount of assists out of any striker playing in the premier league and offers an alternative outlet for an Everton side based on the passing game Martinez favours.

But make no mistake, Scott Dann is no slouch. Since joining Palace he has been magnificent, so much so that more or less every single Palace feels aggrieved on his behalf as he continues to be overlooked for an England place. His leadership and organization of the back four and this is invaluable to the side and with the speed and ability Everton possess it’ll be him and Delaney against Everton’s inform striker that could decide which way the whole game swings

Yannick Bolasie vs Seamus Coleman

Yannick put Newcastle to the sword last Monday night and in the past few weeks seems to have rediscovered the scintillating form that saw him linked with a move to Tottenham. With every performance he is growing in confidence – a trend which can only be a good thing going into the game with Everton. If he can get the better of Coleman then he alone has the potential to cause Everton all manner of problems. Add to that Palace’s, and in particular Yannick’s, record against Merseyside clubs and it could be a fruitful match up for Palace.