Tottenham Hotspur - Crystal Palace predictions and free betting tips [02/03/2024]

Today within the 27th round of the EPL, Tottenham Hotspur will be hosting Crystal Palace at home. A fortnight ago, the Spurs, managed by Ange Postecoglou, were defeated 1:2 by Wolverhampton Wanderers, whereas Oliver Glasner made a thumping start at the Eagles with a crushing victory over Burnley (3:0).

Estimated Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Emerson, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogi; Bissouma, Sarr; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Richarlison.

Crystal Palace: Johnston; Ward, Richards, Andersen; Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze, Ayew; Mateta.

Tottenham Hotspur

Occupying the 5th place in the Premier League table, having a game in hand and trailing the top four by 5 points, Tottenham Hotspur are vying for a spot in the Champions League. In the last round, the Spurs suffered a sensational 1:2 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, thereby ending their gorgeous streak of five unbeaten matches (three victories and two draws). Dejan Kulusevski responded to Joao Gomes' precise strike by shooting between Jose Sa's legs, but then the Brazilian midfielder completed a brace and earned all three points for the Wolves. The Spurs have already suffered two home defeats in London derbies against Chelsea and West Ham, but their scoring streak in the Premier League now stands at 37 rounds! Meanwhile, the home side has collected 27 points in 13 home games, scoring 26 goals and conceding 18.

Having been knocked out of the 1/16 finals of the FA Cup, Ange Postecoglou's charges are now solely focused on the final stretch of the national championship. Tottenham's lineup continues to miss defender Pedro Porro and reserve goalkeeper Forster, as well as wingers Sessegnon and Solomon due to injuries. The Spurs' probable starters include Swedish Dejan Kulusevski (6 goals and 2 assists), playmaker Maddison (3 goals and 6 assists), Son (12 goals and 6 assists) and Richarlison (10 goals and 3 assists). Central defender Dragusin (Genoa) and forward Timo Werner (RB Leipzig), both signed this winter, are so far content with substitute appearances. Some good news is that defender Udogi has recovered from a minor injury, which means Ben Davies will also be out of the starting lineup.

Crystal Palace

Currently, Crystal Palace are in 13th place in the Premier League table, with a one-match advantage and are 8 points clear of the relegation zone. Former manager Roy Hodgson recently suffered a heart attack and was forced to leave his post in mid-February, and under the stewardship of caretaker-manager McCarthy, the Eagles managed to scrape a draw with Everton (1:1). Thereafter, Crystal Palace were led by Austrian Oliver Glasner, and in their first match under him, Crystal Palace easily defeated Burnley (3:0), with goals coming from Chris Richards, Jordan Ayew and Jean-Philippe Mateta. The next task for the Eagles is to end an unpleasant eight-match winless run on the road; their last success outside of Selhurst Park being a 4th November victory over Burnley.

In terms of points collected on the road, the Eagles are only 13th in the overall standings (13 points in 13 matches, 13 goals scored, 25 conceded). Moreover, Crystal Palace have had nine consecutive matches without being able to achieve success in the London derby on rival territory. The visitors' lineup is weakened by the injuries of key players Eze (5 goals), Olise (6 goals and 3 assists), Guehi (defender), and Doucoure (midfielder), central defender Holding and young midfielder Rak-Sakyi. The participation of defensive midfielder Will Hughes is also uncertain. Forwards Jordan Ayew (4 goals and 6 assists) and Mateta (4 goals and 4 assists) are expected to be in the starting lineup this Saturday. Genk's Munoz and promising Wharton (19 years old, Blackburn), who were signed this winter, have quickly integrated into the new team.

Head-to-head

Crystal Palace fell in their last four clashes with the Spurs, scoring only once during that period. The first leg ended in an away victory for Ange Postecoglou's charges with a scoreline of 1:2.

Match prediction: Tottenham Hotspur – Crystal Palace

In each of the last nine home Premier League matches, the Spurs have been unable to keep a clean sheet, but a two-week recovery break is exactly what the hosts need to kick-start a winning streak. Crystal Palace have been performing poorly in London derbies on the road in recent years, and are unlikely to achieve success this Saturday. My prediction - a victory for Ange Postecoglou's side.