Tottenham Hotspur aiming to continue good form against Crystal Palace
The Eagles sealed progress into the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in midweek, yet occupy 17th in the Premier League table.
Spurs are finally hitting their stride
Having lost three and drawn two of their opening five Premier League matches, Spurs looked in real danger of going through another season battling to remain in the top flight.
Against Manchester United a few weeks ago, Dominic Solanke netted a last-gasp equaliser and Spurs haven’t looked back since.
Indeed, Roberto De Zerbi’s men defeated Coventry 3-1 in their following game, with a 2-0 win over Chelsea last weekend showcasing just how effective Spurs could be.
Can the Italian lead the club to three successive wins? Confidence is certainly high and another three points might see them vault into the top-half of the table depending on other results.
Despite various players out injured, De Zerbi can still unleash the likes of Omar Marmoush, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel – who scored against Chelsea – this Saturday evening.
Crystal Palace are sliding towards danger
Palace fans knew things might be tough this term, especially given the success under Oliver Glasner.
A relegation battle, however, wasn’t thought to be an issue, but unless Palace improve swiftly, they could be fighting for survival.
Two wins from eight league matches has the Eagles sitting in 17th place at the time of writing, just a single point clear from the drop zone.
Pierre Sage did lead his men to victory over Fulham in the League Cup in midweek, a result which might take the heat off him – momentarily anyway.
Sage might well be encouraged by the fact Palace have a decent record against Spurs in recent years. The Eagles have won three of their previous four meetings against their North London opponents, including two wins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Is it too much to ask for a fourth win in five games? Only time will tell.
Team news
De Zerbi will be missing James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Mykhailo Mudryk, Sávio, Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons due to injury ahead of this match.
Destiny Udogie and Tosin Adarabioyo remain doubts, while Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended after being sent off against Man United.
Sage also has several players missing because of injury, notably Chadi Riad, Quinten Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Jørgen Strand Larsen and Ismaïla Sarr are both doubtful.
Prediction
Both of these sides come into the game on the back of victories in their previous match, but Spurs have an advantage having not played in midweek.
De Zerbi will be wary of the threat Palace pose, plus the fact they have a solid record at this stadium, which could make things tricky for the home side.
Nevertheless, I’m backing Spurs to edge this match, sealing a third consecutive win in the process. Tottenham 2-1 Crystal Palace.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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