Prediction: Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

Verdict: Tottenham win 

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to make an immediate return to winning ways, Tottenham will welcome Crystal Palace to north London on Saturday afternoon.

Tottenham

Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have continued to receive a string of plaudits since they appointed Ange Postecoglou last summer, Spurs do have the feel of a squad seeking some crucial stability. Last seen putting in a downbeat performance in north London as they eventually slumped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wolves, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous six domestic appearances across all competitions. Crashing out of the FA Cup last month following a close-fought 1-0 loss against Manchester City, Spurs will be desperate to claim a welcomed response here. Opening Saturday’s showdown sat five points adrift of breaking back into the Champions League spots, Postecoglou will be excited by a rampant record against Saturday’s guests. Landing a 2-1 victory when they travelled to Selhurst Park back on October 27th, Tottenham have won all of their last four meetings against Crystal Palace by an aggregate score of 10-1.

Team News

Returning to first-team training last week, Manor Solomon could be included in Tottenham’s squad for the first time since the end of September. Likewise, in what could be a major boost for Spurs on Saturday afternoon, Postecoglou’s camp are hopeful that both Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie could feature here.

Notching 10 Premier League strikes this season and enjoying his brightest spell in north London, former Everton ace Richarlison will spearhead Tottenham’s charge this weekend. While Heung-Min Son might have failed to find the net since returning from this year’s Asia Cup, Spurs’ skipper will certainly have a leading role to play.

Crystal Palace

As for the visitors, opening Oliver Glasner’s tenure with a thumping display at Selhurst Park last weekend, Crystal Palace will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. Eventually cruising their way to a 3-0 romp against leading relegation contenders Burnley, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss will know the importance of pulling away from a potential bottom-three scrap. However, winning just a pair of their previous eight meetings against Premier League opposition, Palace have continued to gain a reputation for their glaring issues outside of south London. Including an infamous 4-1 drumming against bitter rivals Brighton on February 3rd, Glasner’s side have failed to win any of their last eight showdowns away from Selhurst Park – a run that stems all the way back to November 4th. Hit with that 2-1 loss when they met Spurs back on October 27th, the Eagles should face a real challenge here.

Team News

Still dealing with what is a stacked injury list at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace will once again be without the likes of Eberechi Eze, Cheick Doucoure and England international Marc Guehi. Likewise, in what has been a huge blow, Glasner will be unable to call upon attacking talisman Michael Olise due to what could be a long-term hamstring issue.

Finding the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances, Ghana international Jordan Ayew will once again partner Jean-Philippe Mateta in the final third. Recently dethroning ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson between the sticks, Sam Johnstone should keep his spot on Saturday afternoon.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Tottenham and Crystal Palace met for their reverse Premier League showdown on October 27th, Spurs picked up a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park.
• Tottenham have won all of their previous four meetings against Saturday’s guests by an aggregate score of 10-1.
• Spurs have won just a pair of their previous six domestic appearances across all competitions.
• Crystal Palace have failed to win any of their last eight straight appearances away from Selhurst Park.
• The Eagles have lost all of their previous seven trips to north London – a run that stems back to February 2016.

Conclusion

While Crystal Palace might have opened Glasner’s tenure with a routine 3-0 romp against Burnley last week, the Eagles will certainly face a far more testing challenge here. Hit with a 2-1 loss when they welcomed Tottenham to Selhurst Park for their reverse Premier League showdown on October 27th, Spurs do hold what is a rampant record. In fact, winning all of their previous four meetings by an aggregate score of 10-1, we are expecting the top-four contenders to claim an immediate boost this weekend.

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster