Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Preview
- Draw or Spurs win
- Over 2.5 goals
With a UEFA Europa League final on the horizon, Tottenham Hotspur have a golden opportunity to end a turbulent season with silverware. Their impressive run to the final offers manager Ange Postecoglou and his squad a chance to salvage what has otherwise been a campaign marked by inconsistency and fan unrest. But before the North Londoners turn their attention to Manchester United in that European showpiece, they must refocus on domestic matters as they host Crystal Palace in a crucial Premier League clash.
Spurs enter this fixture eyeing a tenth consecutive Premier League home win over Palace, a run that stretches back to 1998. Achieving that would equal the club’s record for most successive top-flight home victories against a single opponent, a mark of dominance that could provide a timely morale boost before the final push in both league and European competition.
Mixed Fortunes in London Derbies
While Tottenham’s historical record against the Eagles at home is strong, their 2024/25 record in London derbies tells a more concerning story. Postecoglou’s side have picked up the fewest points in London derbies this season (11 – W3, D2, L6), including a 1-0 defeat to Palace in the reverse fixture back in October.
That result was one of several missed opportunities that ultimately derailed Spurs’ hopes of a top-half league finish.
Postecoglou, who has come under pressure during his first season in charge, will be wary of complacency against a Palace side that, despite their inconsistent form, have shown they can compete with the league’s best.
Palace Chasing Records of Their Own
Currently on a five-game winless run in the league (D3, L2), Palace’s Premier League campaign is not ending with the momentum they would have hoped for ahead of their upcoming FA Cup final. However, three of those draws came against top-eight opposition, including a gritty 2-2 result against Arsenal, showing the Eagles are capable of frustrating quality opponents.
Under the stewardship of Oliver Glasner, Palace have displayed flashes of attacking quality, particularly through the talismanic Eberechi Eze. With 46 points heading into the final three games, Palace are also chasing their best-ever Premier League finish, aiming to surpass the 49-point tally set in 2018/19 under Roy Hodgson.
A victory here would also deliver a historic moment for the club—their first-ever league double over Tottenham, which would further cement Glasner’s positive impact since arriving mid-season.
Away Form Could Inspire the Eagles
Palace’s away form in 2024/25 has been better than usual, particularly against teams in the lower half of the table. They’ve posted impressive 2-0 away wins at Manchester United, Fulham, and West Ham—three sides currently occupying spots below Tottenham in the standings.
That record should give Palace confidence that they can upset the odds once again and end a nine-game losing streak away to Spurs in the top flight.
Players to Watch
Richarlison has a proven track record against Crystal Palace, with goals in three previous wins over the Eagles (3-1, 2-1, and 3-2).
The Brazilian forward, who has battled injuries and mixed form throughout the season, will be keen to make an impact with his fifth goal of 2025 as he eyes a place in the Europa League final starting XI.
Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze continues to be Palace’s creative heartbeat. The England international has been directly involved in six of Palace’s last ten goals in all competitions (G4, A2) and is bidding to score in three consecutive league matches for the first time in his career. If Palace are to get a result here, Eze is likely to play a pivotal role.
Key Stat and Tactical Consideration
- Hot stat: Tottenham have failed to win any of their five Premier League home games immediately following a Europa League fixture this season (D2, L3), suggesting a possible hangover effect from midweek European action.
- With Spurs likely to make changes to preserve legs ahead of the Europa League final, Palace could capitalise if they start brightly.
Prediction
Tottenham’s strong home record against Palace and motivation to build momentum heading into the Europa League final gives them the edge here. However, Palace are capable of making life difficult, especially on the counter-attack with the pace and guile of Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Prediction: Tottenham 2-1 Crystal Palace
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