Palace make a tactical move after that opener. Left-sided player Jeffrey Schlupp replaces Wilfried Zaha. Game-changer?

This is the definition of a midfield battle. Needs an injection of quality.

Would this count as good point for Palace? It would take them a point further away from bottom side Sunderland, who are losing 1-0 against Southampton at the Stadium of Light.

We're in a lull. And that's saying something in a whole game which could be described as a lull.

Bruno Martins Indi receives some attention from the Stoke medical team as the game stops for a moment or two. He eventually clambers to his feet, going off for a few seconds before returning to the heart of the home defence.

Turns out Bruno Martins Indi is human after all. The Stoke defender hits the deck after a flailing arm from Christian Benteke hits him in the chops - unintentional, of course.

Phil Bardsley's afternoon is over. The Stoke right-back is injured and can't carry on. Luckily the home side have Glen Johnson warming up on the sideline...

Palace fan Neil Morrissey is sat in the director's box alongside Eagles hero Mark Bright and chairman Steve Parish. And I'm pleased to report they are not men behaving badly...

Palace, for the first time today, pile on some concerted pressure. A corner follows that free-kick, Townsend looking for Benteke's head. Stoke survive...

Chance! Townsend plays the ball short to Jason Puncheon whose low shot finds Christian Benteke. But the Palace striker's feet get in a tangle and he can't bundle in.

Right then. Palace free-kick just outside the Stoke box on the left. Andros Townsend to deliver...

Great scrap is this game. There's not quality in either final third, mind. You can't have everything...

Image source, Getty Images

"Don't worry lads, I'll sort this." 

Stoke defender Bruno Martins Indi needs no help as he holds off Wilfried Zaha at the same time as tackling James McArthur to cut out a Palace attack.

I'm sure I've seen tower blocks smaller and weaker than the Dutchman.

Palace wake up for the first time since the break. Wilfried Zaha - now on the right after getting no change out of Phil Bardsley - wins a free-kick off Erik Pieters close to the corner flag. 

Andros Townsend to swing it in left-footed... Through a sea of bodies and out of play.

Back into the same pattern of play. Charlie Adam pulling the strings in the Stoke midfield, the home side patiently probing for an opening.

Tactics talked, water guzzled. We're back on. Stoke kick off the action...

Pat Murphy
at Bet365 Stadium for 5 live Sport

Best thing about this game? Stoke's side - all in short sleeves and no gloves. Well done!

Saido Berahino looks to be enjoying himself as he warms up at the break. Wonder when he will get introduced? 

A Berahino winner is going to seal this game. I can feel it in my waters.

Stoke have dominated the possession, and created the better chances. But Palace are level in the one stat that really matters...

Image source, Opta