Spurs vs Crystal Palace Preview, Team New, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Tottenham Hotspur entertain Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon hoping to close in on the top four. 

Spurs slumped to a 2-0 defeat to rivals Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend so they will be keen to bounce back with a win tomorrow to boost their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Tim Sherwood’s men beat defending champions Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford last time out in the league to leave them sitting sixth in the Premier League table heading into this weekend’s fixtures.

However, with fourth-placed Liverpool not playing until Sunday, Spurs could move into the top four with a win on Saturday as long as Everton don’t also pick up three points at home to Norwich City.

Palace arrive at the Lane having cruised through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win away at West Brom last weekend, but they are still very-much fighting for their lives in the Premier League.

The Eagles currently sit 18th following a 1-1 draw with Norwich on New Year’s Day but are just a single point from safety so have the chance to move out of the bottom three with a positive result this weekend.

Team News

Tottenham have been boosted by the return of four players from injury ahead of the game. Striker Jermain Defoe – who has agreed to join Toronto FC a the end of February – is back in contention following a hamstring injury but is likely to be named on the bench with Sherwood expected to stick with Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado up front.

Midfielders Lewis Holtby and Gylfi Sigurdsson could also be back on the bench after recovering from knee and calf injuries respectively, while Andros Townsend could start on the wing having returned to full fitness from a hamstring problem that’s seen him miss the last four games.

Younes Kaboul and Sandro are back in training but this game will come too soon, and they join Jan Vertonghen, Paulinho and Erik Lamela on the sidelines.

Tony Pulis is able to call upon the services of striker Cameron Jerome after he missed last weeks FA Cup win with a knee injury. However, he is likely to be on the bench with Marouane Chamakh preferred up front.

Palace have a few minor knocks but nothing that should keep any of the players out of the game, but Jimmy Kebe is certain to miss out having agreed to join Leeds on loan.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Emmanuel Adebayor: The Senegalese striker was disappointing against Arsenal last week but he’s been excellent prior to that game since returning to the side. He’ll certainly be a handful for Palace tomorrow and they’ll have to keep him quiet if they want to take anything from the game.

Predicted Score

Tottenham 2-1 Crystal Palace: The visitors are proving to be a far more stubborn outfit under Pulis and will put up a good fight this weekend, but Spurs should have too much quality in the end.

What team would you like to see start and what’s your predicted score for the  game? Share your views below.