Key Points
- Crystal Palace face Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon in a match between two struggling Premier League sides.
- Palace seek a rebound after a disappointing loss to Leeds United, described as their worst display of the season.
- Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, aim to avoid a third consecutive defeat.
- Last encounter: Palace won 2-0 away at Tottenham with a brace from Eberechi Eze; they also completed a rare double last season by winning this fixture.
- Crystal Palace team news: Chris Richards (foot injury from Arsenal match) might return; absentees include Daniel Muñoz, Daichi Kamada, Cheick Doucouré; Ismaïla Sarr at AFCON.
- Tottenham team news: Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons suspended after red cards vs Liverpool; no fresh injury concerns but host of players out due to ill-discipline.
- Palace’s low possession style (among lowest in Premier League) proves effective; they counter-attack lethally after regaining ball.
- European schedule has affected Palace’s consistency, but manager Oliver Glasner keeps them competing at the top; Carabao Cup exit eases load, still in Europa Conference League.
- Tottenham’s data woes: xG difference of 6.6, only 16 expected goals created (worst among top teams); fewer xG than Burnley, Wolves, Sunderland; 16th in touches inside opposition box; 14th in table pre-match.
- Thomas Frank, ex-Brentford manager, endures tough start at Tottenham.
Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur collide at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon in a pivotal Premier League encounter, as both teams grapple with recent form slumps. Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, desperately seek redemption following their most lacklustre performance of the season against Leeds United. Meanwhile, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham side fight to halt a potential third straight defeat, intensifying pressure on the north London club.
This matchup pits two mid-table battlers against each other, with Palace holding historical edge—securing a 2-0 victory in their last meeting via Eberechi Eze’s brace and repeating the feat at this venue last season for a rare double over Spurs.
What Triggered Crystal Palace’s Recent Struggles?
Crystal Palace’s form has faltered, culminating in what multiple sources deem their most disappointing outing yet. As previewed in the FotMob match analysis by their editorial team,
“The Eagles will be looking to bounce back after arguably their most disappointing display of the season against Leeds.”
Manager Oliver Glasner faces mounting challenges amid a congested schedule. The Austrian tactician’s side has balanced domestic and European commitments, with Europa Conference League duties ongoing after a Carabao Cup exit that now lightens the load. FotMob’s preview notes,
“Dealing with the hectic fixture schedule that comes with playing in Europe has impacted some of their performances and consistency this campaign, but Glasner is doing a superb job in ensuring they are still competing towards the top of the table.”
Glasner’s tactical blueprint relies on ceding possession—one of the Premier League’s lowest averages—but striking decisively on transitions.
“Palace are one of the sides in the Premier League with the lowest average possession this season, but it’s been effective for them. Glasner allows the opposition to have the ball, but it’s when they do regain possession that they can cause plenty of damage,”
states the FotMob report.
Who Are Crystal Palace’s Key Absences and Returnees?
Injuries and internationals deplete Palace’s squad. FotMob details,
“Chris Richards picked up a foot injury against Arsenal last time out, but there’s a chance he could be fit enough for this one.”
Confirmed absentees include “Daniel Muñoz, Daichi Kamada, and Cheick Doucouré,” with “Ismaïla Sarr … away at AFCON.” Oliver Glasner’s options remain stretched, testing squad depth at Selhurst Park.
Glasner’s resilience shines through. Despite fixture fatigue, Palace hover competitively, leveraging counter-attacking prowess to trouble higher-ranked foes.
Why Is Tottenham Desperate to Avoid Three Losses in a Row?
Tottenham Hotspur arrive under clouds of concern. As per FotMob’s preview, “Thomas Frank’s side are hoping to avoid making it three defeats on the bounce.”
The former Brentford boss endures a rocky tenure start. “Tottenham’s xG difference this season is 6.6, having created just 16 expected goals throughout the Premier League campaign. Frank’s side have struggled at both ends of the pitch, and it’s safe to say it’s not been an ideal start to the former Brentford manager’s tenure in north London,” FotMob reports.
Pre-match standings paint a grim picture: Spurs sat 14th entering the weekend. Only Burnley, Wolves, and Sunderland generated fewer expected goals league-wide. “Heading in to this round of games only Burnley, Wolves, and Sunderland have created fewer expected goals than Tottenham this season, while they rank 16th in the league for touches inside the opposition box,” the preview warns. Frank urgently requires second-half improvement.
Discipline issues compound woes. A recent Liverpool clash saw ejections, triggering suspensions.
Which Tottenham Players Face Suspension?
FotMob specifies, “Spurs will be without a host of players, partly down to a bit of ill-discipline against Liverpool. Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons were both sent off in that one, so they’ll serve the first game of their suspensions.”
No fresh injuries surface, offering slim respite. “They should have no fresh injury concerns, however,” FotMob adds. Yet, the absences expose vulnerabilities against Palace’s opportunistic style.
How Does History Favour Crystal Palace?
Palace boast recent dominance. Their latest clash ended 2-0 at Tottenham, powered by Eberechi Eze’s double. FotMob recalls, “The last meeting between these two sides saw Palace pick up a 2-0 victory on the road, with Eberechi Eze grabbing a brace. Palace also won this exact fixture last season, completing a rare double over Spurs.”
Selhurst Park transforms into a fortress for such occasions, amplifying Glasner’s low-possession gambit.
What Tactical Clashes Define This Fixture?
Palace’s possession-light approach contrasts Tottenham’s struggles. Glasner invites pressure, exploding forward upon regains—a formula yielding results despite European tolls.
Tottenham’s offensive drought alarms analysts. Meagre xG and box touches signal creativity famine under Frank, who must galvanise a side leaking goals.
Broader Implications for Both Managers?
For Glasner, victory solidifies top-table credentials, validating his methods amid rotation demands. Carabao Cup relief aids focus on league and Conference League survival.
Frank faces do-or-die scrutiny. A loss entrenches 14th place, amplifying calls for tactical overhaul. FotMob underscores, “As they started the weekend in 14th position in the table, Frank desperately needs to show improvement in the second half of the season.”
Venue and Atmosphere: What Role Does Selhurst Park Play?
Selhurst Park’s raucous confines favour Palace. Last season’s win here underscores home advantage, with Eze’s prior heroics fresh in supporters’ minds. Sunday’s 1:24 PM PKT kick-off (adjusting for UK timing) promises intensity.
