Crystal Palace vs Tottenham: Premier League Preview
Tottenham Hotspur head across London to Selhurst Park this weekend, aiming to extend their winning run and maintain a firm grip on their pursuit of the top four.
After a midweek Europa League victory, Spurs will look to showcase their resilience against a Crystal Palace side yet to claim a league win this season.
Palace’s start under Oliver Glasner has been underwhelming, to say the least, with growing pressure to halt their winless streak. Meanwhile, Spurs, on a high from consecutive victories, seek to leap up into the top six of the Premier League table.
What time does Tottenham v Crystal Palace kick-off?
- Location: Selhurst Park, London, England
- Date: Sunday, 27th October
- Kick-Off Time: 2:00 PM
- Referee: Darren Bond
- VAR: Chris Kavanagh
How both teams approach Tottenham v Crystal Palace
Tottenham will enter this clash full of confidence, with their recent 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar showing both their defensive tenacity and their versatility in attack. Ange Postecoglou’s side have maintained composure under pressure, something Crystal Palace will find difficult to counter given their poor form. Spurs’ high press and ability to break down compact defences have already yielded solid results this season.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace’s start to the campaign has been little short of dismal. The Eagles’ only victory came in the EFL Cup against Norwich on 27th August, and their last league win dates back to the final day of last season.
Tottenham Team News
Richarlison, having impressed in his Europa League start, is likely to feature again, although Spurs will likely be without captain Heung-min Son, who is a doubt (Football London). James Maddison, who was brought off at half-time against West Ham last weekend, is expected to start and play a crucial role. Djed Spence is not yet ready to play a part, but could return next week. The match also presents an opportunity for young Mikey Moore, who may come off the bench after impressing on Thursday.
Crystal Palace Team News
Crystal Palace will be without Matheus Franca, Chadi Riad, and Chris Richards, though there is no confirmation yet on Cheick Doucoure returning to the lineup. Defensively, Maxence Lacroix has been one of the standout players this season and will be crucial in handling Tottenham’s creative outlets, especially with his strong long-ball accuracy of nearly 60 per cent.
Predicted Tottenham Line-Up
Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Bissouma, Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson, Solanke, Moore
Our Prediction
Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski, known for his incisive play, could be the key to unlocking Palace’s defence, which often operates with a three-man backline. Leading Europe with the most key passes, progressive runs, and deep completions, he could be a game-changer as he faces Maxence Lacroix, Palace’s top-rated player. Given his role in last week’s league win, where he was named Man of the Match after scoring a crucial equaliser, Kulusevski’s impact on this game could once again tip the balance.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s backline must stay alert to Palace’s aerial threat and their high ranking in successful long balls. Despite Palace’s modest goal tally of five this season, two of these have come from set pieces – an area where Spurs have occasionally faltered. Tottenham’s defence will need to handle these threats if they want to maintain their solid run.
Prediction: Tottenham to win, 3-1
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