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Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace: 07/03/2021 – match preview and predicted starting XIs

Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace

Date: 07/03/2021

K/O: 19:15

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Referee: Stuart Attwell

TV: Sky Sports Main Event

Roy Hodgson’s Eagles make their way across the Thames to take on a reinvigorated Tottenham on Sunday evening.

It’s no coincidence that Tottenham have ramped up their attack at the same time as Dele Alli and Gareth Bale have emerged into the Premier League lineup. The duo have popped up more frequently on recent occasions and are finally making a positive difference in Mourinho’s plans. Many instances of criticism have been warranted for both of these players, but most onlookers have recognised that they’ve needed game time to kick-start their return to prime form in the Premier League.

4-0 was an incredibly promising scoreline for the Lilywhites for a few reasons. Burnley, the oppositions on that occasion, have been tough to beat regardless of their precarious league position. The aforementioned Bale chipped in with two goals, while Alli almost bagged one against Fulham before it was given as an own goal.

This match was a much more tense affair, with Fulham coming out their shells in the second half, and Tottenham completely dominated and unable to cope. Unacceptable defensive issues still remain in the Spurs camp considering the way they laid down to a relegation battling team. Tottenham are ten times more fluid and talented in attack and Mourinho just isn’t playing to that strength. You can understand the rumours of his departure from the club, regardless of whether they’re fabricated or not.

As is often the case as the season enters its final stages, Crystal Palace find themselves in a slightly perilous position. They’re not in any direct danger of slipping into the bottom three, but at the same time, eleven points is not a huge gap to make up when you’re putting in good performances, like many of the bottom teams indeed are. Palace are usual culprits of taking their foot off the gas after a certain amount of time has elapsed in a season, which sometimes places them in relegation battles towards the end.

However, perhaps the team from South London have recognised this, picking up a nice tally of points in the last three games, fending off Brighton, Fulham and Manchester United. Even more of a positive sign is the fact that they have let in just one goal in those three fixtures. The Eagles’ goal difference is not on the glamorous side, largely thanks to the number of goals shipped rather than a lack of goals scored. Roy Hodgson will want his side to continue their recent run of resilience.

On the back of this, Palace will be looking to carry the same effect to North London. If the away team can sneak their way in front, their organisation at the back will go a long way to keeping out the likes of Kane, Son and Bale. Whenever the ball threatens to cross the halfway line into their own half, Palace should converge on the attacker in a flash. Tottenham panic under pressure and Roy Hodgson will need to exploit this.

Team News

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham’s injury list is relatively short, with some of the most injury-prone players in the squad managing to fend off problems in their most recent spell of matches. Serge Aurier has aggravated a pre-existing calf injury and so was unavailable against Fulham. He may not be risked on the weekend.

Meanwhile, Giovani Lo Celso is expected to return soon as he is back in training, but the weekend will come too fast for the Argentinian.

Crystal Palace

Positive news for Palace fans is that Wilfried Zaha has been back in training and is being heavily considered for the matchday squad this weekend. James McCarthy picked up a groin injury last time out and will be unavailable, although it is unknown how long for.

Elsewhere, Nathaniel Clyne has been out for a week and will remain unavailable on Sunday. The same can be said for Sakho, McCarthur and Tomkins.

Predicted Starting XIs

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Reguilon, Dier, Sanchez, Doherty; Hojbjerg, Ndombele; Son, Lamela, Lucas; Kane

Crystal Palace (4-4-2): Guaita; van Aanholt, Cahill, Kouyate, Ward; Eze, Milivojevic, Riedewald, Townsend; Benteke, Zaha

Score prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Crystal Palace 

On paper, Spurs should beat Palace comfortably. Realistically, Spurs are likely to cruise for parts of the game, fail to capitalise to the fullest and end up in a tight situation for the rest of the match. However, their options in attack should get them across the line.

Harry Mahon

90maat's team correspondent for Tottenham Hotspur, graduate of Loughborough University and current student at the University of Surrey.

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