Preview and Prediction
Spurs seems to have their momentum to end their thirst of silverware. They are still leading the table sharing the same points as the defending Champions Liverpool but with better aggregate. Mourinho knows that in a title race, there can not be any mistake or any losing points, especially in a tight one like this. Another less famous London derby this weekend while travelling to Selhurst Park would be a slight challenge they are likely to get past without so much difficulty.
The teams’ previous games
The Palace had a massive 5-1 victory on the road while taking on West Bromwich Albion. Winfred Zaha and the Belgium international Christian Benteke scored a brace each after Darnell Furlong’s own goal was equalised by Conor Gallagher of West Brom. It was the biggest away win for Crystal Palace in the Premier League so far.
Tottenham clinched another victory in the midweek while hosting Royal Anthwerp by two goals to nil. Their winning goals were scored by Carlos Vinicius and Giovanni Lo Celso. The result sealed one berth in the round of 32.
Possible tactic
Roy Hodgson’s classic English 4-4-2 seems to be his’ main formation. He counts on two wingers and two strikers with rather pragmatic approach. Their winger Winfred Zaha and Eberechi Eze can occupy the inverted winger role. The only names sidelined in Palace squad here are Conor Wickham, Martin Kelly and Wayne Hennessey.
His counterpart Jose Mourinho is still likely to deploy 4-2-3-1 with possible transition to 4-3-3 or 3-4-3. Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min would be featuring upfront supported by Tanguy Ndombele, and Steven Bergwijn. Unfortunately, the right back Serge Aurier and the Argentine attacking midfielder, Erik Lamela, are ruled out for this fixture.
Players to watch
The Palace’s top performer, Winfred Zaha is currently on fire this season more than their top perfomer last season, Jordan Ayew. He has netted seven goals plus made two assists.. Some other key figures to watch are the former Liverpool man, Christian Benteke, the Nigerian Eberechi Eze and James McArthur.
Spurs’ key men are none but the English captain Harry Kane with eight goals and ten assists plus his Korean duet Son Heung-min registering ten goals and three assist so far. Another vital figure from the bench is the Argentine Giovani Lo Celso.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Prediction
Hodgson’s men’s big win last weekend isn’t likely to repeat here as Harry Kane and Co’s defensive stance has been the best one this season by only conceding nine sin eleven games. Their tactical approach might be easily anticipated as Winfred Zaha is the only key figure who has the ability to breakdown Spurs’ defence. Kane-Son duo is going to score again for the visitor’s another victory.
Betting odds
The punters seem to be seeing it differently they back none as the favorite. The home side is projected to win at 4/1, whereas the visitor’s win market is at 4/5. The draw result is at the value of 3/1.
