Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Preview
Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up to reignite their campaign after a brief hiatus, facing Crystal Palace in a pivotal London derby that could have significant implications for both teams’ Premier League aspirations.
As Spurs look to bounce back from their recent setback against Wolves, Palace come into this fixture with renewed vigor under Oliver Glasner, setting the stage for an intriguing clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs Seek Redemption
The disappointment of a 2-1 loss to Wolves still lingers for Tottenham, compounded by a postponed match against Chelsea last weekend. This upcoming derby offers Spurs an opportunity to make amends in front of their home supporters, against a Palace side they’ve historically dominated in this fixture.
With an impressive streak of eight consecutive Premier League home victories against the Eagles, Tottenham will be keen to extend this run and keep their top-four ambitions alive.
Defensive Concerns and Top-Four Hopes
Tottenham’s defensive woes have been a glaring issue, with the team failing to keep a clean sheet in their last eight league outings. This vulnerability has seen them concede twice in four of their five Premier League matches in 2024, a trend they’ll be desperate to reverse as they chase a coveted Champions League spot.
The gap to fourth-placed Aston Villa is widening, making a win against Palace critical to Tottenham’s top-four push.
Crystal Palace’s Glasner Era Begins
Oliver Glasner’s tenure at Crystal Palace kicked off with a bang, as the Eagles dispatched Burnley 3-0, snapping a three-match winless streak. However, the challenge of securing an away victory looms large, with Palace’s last triumph on the road dating back to November 2023 against Burnley.
Despite a poor record in Premier League London derbies this season, Palace will aim to upset the odds and capture a rare away win against their city rivals.
A Daunting Derby Record
Palace’s struggles in London derbies have been a sore point, with only one win, three draws, and five losses in the current campaign. While their away record offers little to be optimistic about, the Eagles have managed to score in three of their four London derby away games this term, hinting at the potential to trouble Tottenham’s leaky defense.
Key Players to Watch
Tottenham’s Heung-min Son has been a thorn in Palace’s side, contributing to eight goals in his last nine Premier League encounters with the Eagles. His knack for decisive contributions will be crucial for Spurs.
On the other side, Jordan Ayew‘s knack for late goals, including his recent strike against Burnley, could play a pivotal role for Palace as they seek to defy expectations.
Key Stat
Crystal Palace’s struggle to score early on the road is notable, with the Eagles being the only side yet to net an away league goal before the 15th minute this season. This statistic will be on their minds as they aim to start strongly against Tottenham.
As Tottenham and Crystal Palace prepare to lock horns, this London derby promises not only local bragging rights but also crucial points in the race for European qualification and Premier League survival.
With both teams eager to assert their dominance, fans can expect a fiercely contested match filled with strategic battles and individual brilliance.