Crystal Palace are still looking to claim their first Premier League victory this season, while a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur aims to secure a second London derby win in as many weeks. Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming clash at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace Recent Form
Currently winless, Palace’s last match resulted in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, their third straight league loss. Despite promising performances at the end of last season, the Eagles have struggled, now finding themselves in 18th place with only three points from a string of draws.
Their home form has offered little relief, with only two goals scored across four matches at Selhurst Park this season.
Injury and Team News
Crystal Palace have an extensive injury list: key midfielders Cheick Doucoure (ankle) and Matheus Franca (groin) remain out, while defenders Chadi Riad (knee) and Chris Richards (thigh) are also sidelined.
Last Palace Lineup
Here is how Crystal Palace lined up in their last match against Nottingham Forest:
Tottenham Hotspur Recent Form
Tottenham comes into this fixture off the back of a midweek Europa League victory against AZ Alkmaar, extending their European winning streak. In the Premier League, Spurs recently defeated West Ham United 4-1, an encouraging result after a mixed start that leaves them in seventh place.
Ange Postecoglou’s men have netted multiple goals in four consecutive away fixtures, showcasing a consistently potent attack that ranks just behind Manchester City’s this season.
Injury and Team News
For Tottenham, captain Son Heung-min returns after a minor injury. The only confirmed absentee for the visitors is Djed Spence (groin).
Meanwhile, starters James Maddison and Destiny Udogie are expected to be in the lineup alongside Son.
Last Tottenham Lineup
Tottenham’s lineup against AZ Alkmaar included the following:
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham - who is the referee and VAR?
Here are the confirmed match officials for Sunday’s clash:
Referee: Darren Bond.
Assistants: Lee Betts, Steve Meredith.
Fourth official: Tim Robinson.
VAR: Chris Kavanagh.
Assistant VAR: Richard West.
Crystal Palace Player To Watch
Eberechi Eze - While Eze has struggled to recapture last season’s form, his creativity and dribbling prowess will be essential for Palace to break down Tottenham’s defence.
Tottenham Player To Watch
Son Heung-min - With an impressive record of 27 goals in London derbies, Son’s influence will be pivotal as Spurs seek to maintain attacking momentum in their hunt for the Champions League spots.
Prediction
Tottenham’s well-rested attack should expose Palace’s vulnerabilities in defence, continuing the Eagles’ frustrating winless run.
Our Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Tottenham Win - Spurs have a superior record over Palace, winning the last five encounters.
Tip 2
Under 2.5 Goals
Palace have one of the lowest home scoring records, while Spurs have managed to maintain clean sheets in their recent fixtures.
Tip 3
Son Heung-min Anytime Scorer - Returning to the squad and with an excellent London derby record, Son is poised to make an impact.
