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Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham: Can Spurs Maintain Momentum?

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 27th 2025 at 21:09 GMT by Sporting News

Can Spurs Maintain Momentum? A Preview & Prediction for Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Selhurst Park this weekend to face Crystal Palace in a Premier League encounter carrying significant weight for both sides. While Palace are comfortably mid-table, Tottenham's aspirations for Champions League qualification hang precariously, and they need consistent wins to solidify their position. Sporting News’ analysis provides a comprehensive look at the match, covering predicted lineups, betting odds, potential bet builders, and key player considerations.

Crystal Palace: Stability & Set Piece Threat

Roy Hodgson has overseen a remarkable turnaround at Crystal Palace since taking over as manager. The team has found stability and consistency that was lacking previously. Palace’s strength lies in their defensive organization and ability to frustrate opponents. They are notoriously difficult to break down, particularly at home. However, their attacking output remains somewhat limited. Sporting News highlights Palace's ongoing issues with converting chances – they have a relatively low goal conversion rate despite creating decent opportunities.

A key element of Palace’s game is their effectiveness from set pieces. They consistently score goals from corners and free kicks, making them a dangerous proposition for any opponent. This is something Tottenham will need to address defensively. Hodgson's preferred lineup typically features a solid back three or five, emphasizing defensive solidity. Jean-Philippe Mateta is likely to lead the line, though his recent form has been inconsistent. Eberechi Eze remains crucial for creating chances and injecting creativity into the Palace attack.

The article notes that Palace’s injuries are relatively minimal. Michael Olise's continued absence through injury is a significant blow, as he provides vital attacking spark. However, they have a squad capable of putting up a stern challenge.

Tottenham: Momentum & Midfield Concerns

Tottenham, under Ange Postecoglou, have been one of the most exciting teams to watch this season, playing an expansive and attacking brand of football. Their recent form has been good, but inconsistency has plagued them at times. A draw against Manchester City last weekend demonstrated their capabilities, yet they'll need to convert those performances into victories to secure a Champions League spot.

Postecoglou’s tactical approach revolves around high-pressing and quick transitions. This style can overwhelm opponents when it’s executed effectively, but leaves them vulnerable defensively if the press is broken. The article emphasizes that Tottenham's success hinges on their midfield control – particularly against Palace’s well-drilled defensive structure. The recent injury to James Maddison has been a significant setback, removing a key creative force from the team. His absence impacts Tottenham’s ability to unlock tight defenses.

Tottenham’s predicted lineup will likely see Son Heung-min leading the attack, supported by wingers and midfielders looking to exploit space behind the Palace defense. Richarlison is another attacking option who could feature. Sporting News points out that Spurs' defensive record has been a concern this season; they can be susceptible to counter-attacks if not careful.

Betting Odds & Predictions

According to Sporting News’ analysis, Tottenham are considered strong favorites for the match, with odds reflecting their superior quality and recent form. Palace are given a reasonable chance of securing at least a draw, particularly playing at home. The article provides specific betting odds (as of its publication date) from various bookmakers – highlighting Tottenham's win probability and potential returns on different bet types.

Bet Builder Suggestions

The piece offers several enticing bet builder suggestions for those looking to enhance their wagering experience. These include:

• Eberechi Eze to have 2+ Shots on Target: Recognizing Palace’s reliance on him as a creative outlet and goal threat.
• Son Heung-min to score anytime: Due to his consistent scoring record and Tottenham's attacking prowess.
• Over 2.5 Goals in the Match: Reflecting both teams’ potential for goals, despite Palace’s defensive resilience.
• Tottenham to win with a clean sheet: Combining their expected victory with a solid defensive performance.

The article stresses the importance of researching form and team news before placing any bets. It also provides links to further resources for understanding betting terminology and strategies.

Key Player Battles & Tactical Considerations

Sporting News identifies several key battles that will shape the outcome of the match. The duel between Palace’s defensive midfielders and Tottenham's creative players (particularly in Maddison’s absence) is highlighted as crucial. The ability of Palace to win individual battles on set pieces against Tottenham’s aerial defense will also be a deciding factor.

Tactically, Hodgson might opt for a more conservative approach, aiming to soak up pressure and hit Tottenham on the counter-attack. Postecoglou is likely to stick with his attacking philosophy but may need to adjust his midfield strategy given Maddison's injury. He’ll need to find ways to break down Palace’s stubborn defense and ensure his team controls possession.

Prediction

Sporting News predicts a narrow victory for Tottenham, albeit not without a stern challenge from Crystal Palace. They anticipate a closely contested match with potential for goals, but ultimately favor Tottenham's attacking quality and overall squad strength to edge out the win. The final score prediction is given as 2-1 in favour of Tottenham. However, they acknowledge that Palace’s home form and set-piece threat could easily upset the odds.

Disclaimer: The article emphasizes that these are just predictions based on available information and past performance. Football is inherently unpredictable, and results can vary.

This summary aims to capture the core elements of the Sporting News article, providing a comprehensive overview for those interested in the Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham match.