UPDATE DIRECTLY FROM SKYSPORT- First Premier League start for star as 7 ruled out – Crystal Palace v Tottenham Predicted XIs
Crystal Palace will aim to secure essential points in their Premier League campaign when they host local rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are under pressure, with Palace looking to break a three-game losing streak, having suffered a defeat against Nottingham Forest in their last match on Monday. Meanwhile, Tottenham enter this clash on the back of an uplifting week, where they rebounded from a disappointing pre-international break loss to Brighton by clinching victories over West Ham in the league and AZ Alkmaar in Europe.
For both Crystal Palace and Tottenham, securing three points in this encounter could prove pivotal as they seek to achieve their season objectives. With each side committed to improving their form, managers are facing some tough squad decisions. Here’s a look at the anticipated lineup and updates from both camps.
Crystal Palace Team News
The injury list remains a concern for Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who confirmed that no injured players will be rejoining the squad for the Tottenham clash. Midfielder Cheick Doucoure has re-entered training, but his involvement has been limited to a single session, making him unavailable for selection. Chadi Riad, Chris Richards, Rob Holding, and Matheus Franca are also still on the injury list. On a brighter note, reserve goalkeeper Matt Turner is eligible again after sitting out against his parent club, Nottingham Forest.
Oliver Glasner’s Pre-Match Press Conference
In his pre-match briefing, Glasner provided further insight into the team’s injury status and potential lineup changes. “The squad remains the same as we had against Nottingham on Monday,” he noted. “No additional injuries, but unfortunately, no recoveries either. Doucoure has just started training again, so he won’t be available.”
Glasner also addressed a long-standing question regarding Adam Wharton’s condition, explaining, “We are weighing the option of surgery, but for now, Wharton will be available for the next three games: Sunday against Tottenham, midweek versus Aston Villa, and then Wolves. We’ll make a final decision on his status after this stretch.”
Crystal Palace Predicted Lineup
Starting XI: Henderson; Chalobah, Guehi, Lacroix; Munhoz, Lerma, Wharton, Mitchell; Eze, Mateta, Nketiah.
Bench: Turner (GK), Clyne (DEF), Ward (DEF), Hughes (MID), Schlupp (MID), Kamada (MID), Kporha (MID), Sarr (FWD), Agbinone (FWD).
Glasner is expected to maintain his preferred back-five system despite recent results. Adam Wharton could reclaim a midfield spot, pushing Will Hughes to the bench, and Jean-Philippe Mateta may rejoin the attack after Daichi Kamada’s underwhelming performance against Nottingham.
Tottenham Hotspur Team News
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou will enter the game with a few notable absentees. Star forward Heung-Min Son is ruled out after experiencing a setback in his recovery, while defender Djed Spence is also unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation. In a midweek Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar, youngster Lucas Bergvall was substituted, but Postecoglou later confirmed it was merely a cramp and Bergvall should be fit to play.
Ange Postecoglou’s Pre-Match Press Conference
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Postecoglou provided updates on Son and other players’ fitness levels. “Sonny still isn’t 100 percent and won’t train today, making his participation unlikely this weekend. As for Djed, he’s improving and should be able to join team training next week.”
Postecoglou hinted at a possible Premier League debut for Mikey Moore, the teenage sensation who impressed in his recent Europa League outing. Meanwhile, Timo Werner’s recent performances have raised concerns; the manager acknowledged that Werner is struggling with confidence and suggested his place in the starting lineup might be in jeopardy.
Tottenham Predicted Lineup
Starting XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Maddison, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Moore.
Bench: Forster (GK), Gray (DEF), Dragusin (DEF), Davies (DEF), Bissouma (MID), Sarr (MID), Bergvall (MID), Richarlison (FWD), Werner (FWD).
With Son unavailable, Postecoglou could grant Moore his first Premier League start, given his strong midweek display. While Werner’s recent dip may see him on the bench, Moore’s inclusion provides an injection of energy into Tottenham’s attack.
Game Overview
Sunday’s match presents an exciting London derby where both clubs are motivated to secure a valuable win. Crystal Palace, looking to halt their recent slide, will be counting on home advantage and hoping for big performances from the likes of Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah. Meanwhile, Tottenham, with solid recent form, aim to extend their momentum as they chase top-four aspirations under Postecoglou’s guidance. The tactical battle between Glasner’s defensive setup and Postecoglou’s fluid attack will likely be a highlight of this crucial encounter.