Matchday 29 arrives with a slate of midweek fixtures in the Premier League as the next round of FA Cup ties gets underway this weekend. We are breaking down the pre-match tactical analysis for Thursday’s standalone clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace. Below is our full pre-match breakdown, including team news, player injuries, predicted starting lineups, a Tottenham vs Crystal Palace prediction, key stats, and betting picks.
Tottenham Team News
Spurs are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Craven Cottage last time out, marking back-to-back losses to begin Igor Tudor’s managerial stint at Tottenham. The North London side has now lost four straight matches, all of which have come in the Premier League, and they have failed to record a win in their last 10 league fixtures. Tottenham’s most recent Premier League victory actually came against – you guessed it – Crystal Palace in December 2025, a narrow 1-0 win for Spurs.
Following this midweek fixture against Crystal Palace, Spurs will not be involved in FA Cup action this weekend. Their next match will take place on Tuesday, March 10, when they face Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie.
On a positive note for Tottenham, both Kevin Danso and Pedro Porro returned from their respective injuries against Fulham. However, Djed Spence was ruled out late for that match after picking up what appeared to be a minor leg injury. His availability for Thursday remains uncertain.
Crystal Palace Team News
Palace are also coming off a 2-1 defeat, having fallen to Michael Carrick’s Manchester United over the weekend. The Eagles were leading 1-0 until defender Maxence Lacroix was shown a red card in the 56th minute for denying a goal-scoring opportunity against Matheus Cunha, which resulted in a converted Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Lacroix will now serve a one-match suspension and will be unavailable for Palace’s trip to London.
Brennan Johnson will be returning to Tottenham for the first time since his move in the January transfer window.
Tottenham Injuries
Unavailable: Cristian Romero (suspended), Djed Spence (questionable), Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert
Crystal Palace Injuries
Unavailable: Maxence Lacroix (suspended), Eddie Nketiah, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jefferson Lerma, Cheik Oumar Doucoure
Predicted Starting Lineups
Tottenham Lineup Notes
Spurs remain heavily impacted by injuries. Igor Tudor, along with Tottenham supporters, will be hopeful that Djed Spence is fit enough to feature. If he is unavailable, Archie Gray could be an option in that role.
Richarlison scored Tottenham’s only goal against Fulham and could earn a place in the starting XI given his physical presence. Either Randal Kolo Muani or Mathys Tel could step in alongside the Brazilian.
Crystal Palace Lineup Notes
With both Lerma and Lacroix unavailable, Palace are expected to deploy a back three consisting of Cédric Canvot, Chris Richards, and Chadi Riad.
In midfield, Daichi Kamada is expected to retain his place in the starting XI, likely keeping Will Hughes out of the lineup, while Adam Wharton should take his usual position in midfield.
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Match Preview
This fixture could develop into a contest where both sides cancel each other out due to similarities in their formations. Igor Tudor has approached his first two matches in charge of Spurs differently, with neither proving successful. For this match, he is expected to opt for a back three with wingbacks in order to match up with Palace’s shape and potentially adjust the structure of his front three – more on that shortly.
Neutrals will be hoping for an entertaining encounter between two struggling sides.
How Crystal Palace Will Likely Set Up
On paper, Crystal Palace operate in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Their wingbacks are tasked with recovering quickly when out of possession and providing width high up the pitch when Palace look to attack.
Palace Out of Possession
Out of possession, Crystal Palace shift from their 3-4-2-1 into either a 5-2-2-1 or a 5-2-3 shape. Their wingbacks, Daniel Muñoz and Tyrick Mitchell, are proactive in stepping out of the defensive line to press opposition fullbacks or wingbacks in wide areas. Kamada is prepared to drop deeper when necessary to cover gaps created by opposition movement. Palace also maintain a narrow structure in front of their back line, aiming to congest central midfield areas and make themselves difficult to break down.
Crystal Palace in Attack
When building out from the back, Palace initially retain their 3-4-2-1 structure, often dropping their central midfielders deeper to assist in ball progression while pushing their wingbacks higher up the pitch. At times, this build-up resembles more of a 3-2-4-1 shape.
In sustained possession inside the opposition’s half, Palace transition into a 3-2-5 attacking structure. Their wingbacks provide width in the outside channels, the double pivot anchors the centre of midfield, and the back three remains intact behind the play.
How Tottenham Could Set Up
Igor Tudor has utilised two distinct tactical approaches in his first two matches in charge. Against league leaders Arsenal, Tottenham lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. In the subsequent match against Fulham, Spurs alternated between a 4-4-2 and what at times resembled a 4-3-3.
For this fixture, Tottenham are expected to revert to a back three with wingbacks to occupy the wide channels and pin Palace’s wingbacks deeper. Given the availability of several central attackers and strikers but limited winger or No. 10 options due to injuries, Spurs could resemble a 3-4-1-2 on paper, with Xavi Simons operating centrally behind a striker pairing.
Tottenham Out of Possession
Defensively, Tottenham have alternated between a 5-3-2 and a 4-4-2. In this match, they are expected to primarily convert their 3-4-2-1 shape into a 5-3-2, similar to Crystal Palace and as seen against Arsenal.
In this structure, the wingbacks drop into the defensive line. Xavi Simons is likely to fall deeper into midfield if two more attack-minded players are deployed ahead of him. Spurs have also implemented a man-marking defensive system, with players tracking Palace attackers closely, while employing aggressive pressing and line-jumping in transitional moments.
Tottenham in Attack
Going forward, Tottenham look to attack in a 3-2-5 shape much like Palace.
When in possession, Micky van de Ven is encouraged to carry the ball forward and make line-breaking runs when opportunities arise.
Xavi Simons will at times drop between the lines, seeking space between Palace’s midfield and defensive units – an area that can open up when Palace stretch vertically or commit to pressing.
Pedro Porro is likely to operate from a slightly deeper position on the right flank, with the option to advance and provide width when required. His deeper positioning allows the outside centre-back on his side to remain more compact and central, which in turn permits the central defender to shift across and create space for van de Ven to advance.
Tottenham will also rely heavily on fluid rotations in attacking areas to create space. The front three are expected to interchange frequently. João Palhinha can drop deeper to allow van de Ven to push forward, van de Ven can drift wide to enable the wingback to move centrally, and Porro can invert into midfield to free a central midfielder to join the attack.
Tudor’s attacking philosophy relies heavily on his player rotations.
Where Crystal Palace Can Find Success
Drop Attackers Into Space
Jørgen Strand Larsen has recently taken over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s role as the target man. Strand Larsen looks to receive the ball with a defender on his back, hold up play, and allow teammates to make runs in behind. Palace’s wingbacks and attacking midfielders often use Strand Larsen as a wall option in quick one-two combinations, enabling them to advance up the pitch at pace.
Tottenham’s central defenders are tasked with man-marking and tracking their player opposite when they do drop into space. When Tottenham defenders jump their lines and look to mark their man, space can be opened up in behind for the ball to be played into. Palace should look to drop their attacking players at times into the space between Tottenham’s lines and drag Spurs defenders out of position.
Stay in Shape Defensively
The Eagles can be extremely difficult to break down due to their narrow defensive shape and their ability to clog the centre of midfield, removing access to the most dangerous areas of the pitch.
It will be imperative that Palace do not get pulled out of position or fall into traps when Tottenham rotate and transition in attack. Spurs have struggled at times this season to create chances against disciplined low blocks, and it remains unclear whether Igor Tudor has made progress in this area. Oliver Glasner’s side must remain compact as a defensive unit and avoid being dragged away from central areas. Conversely, Tottenham will look to do exactly that in order to open space.
Take Advantage on the Counter
Crystal Palace are known for their ability to break on the counter. Their tight defensive shape makes them difficult to break down and their narrow positioning gives them numbers in dangerous areas of the pitch when they turn the ball over.
The counter-attack against Tottenham could prove to be especially effective given the amount of player rotations that Spurs use under Tudor and Micky Van de Ven’s willingness to push forward up the pitch.
Winning the ball off a turnover, especially with van de Ven up the pitch, will open many doors for Crystal Palace on the counter. Strand Larsen can again be used in these scenarios to hold up play and pick an option flying forward.
The counter-attack from Palace can be lethal at times and Tottenham could be susceptible to their efforts because of their rotations, attack-minded tactics with their defenders, and their depleted back line.
Where Tottenham Can Find Success
Attack Crystal Palace’s Back Line
Palace’s central defensive options are limited. Following the sale of Marc Guéhi, their preferred trio has been Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Jefferson Lerma or Cédric Canvot, with Lerma generally viewed as the stronger option. Lerma is out through injury, while Lacroix is suspended.
Lacroix plays a pivotal role in Palace’s defensive unit as the central anchor and organizer of the back line. In this match, Richards is expected to assume those responsibilities, with Canvot and Chadi Riad alongside him. Given Palace’s depleted defensive structure, Tottenham’s attackers should look to run directly at the central defenders, forcing decisions under pressure and capitalizing on any mistakes that open space.
Find the Space Between Crystal Palace’s Lines
Space can open up between Palace’s midfield and defensive lines in several scenarios.
When the ball is circulated across the back and Palace step forward to apply pressure, their shape can become more vertical, creating gaps between the lines. During Tottenham’s progression phase in the middle third, Palace’s structure can also stretch vertically. Additionally, when Palace press aggressively, their central midfielders may step high to engage opposition pivots, leaving space behind them.
If Tottenham’s attacking midfielders drop into these pockets, they can receive on the turn, drive at Palace’s back line, or drag defenders out of position to create openings. Xavi Simons, in particular, could thrive in this role and may have an opportunity to influence the match significantly.
Utilize the Outside Lanes
Palace operate with a narrow defensive structure, keeping midfielders and attackers compact and central to protect high-value areas. Because of how Oliver Glasner sets up his side without the ball, Palace can be difficult to break down through the middle.
Overloading and utilizing the outside channels could force Palace to shift laterally, dragging players out of position and creating space either centrally, in the half-spaces, or on the far side of the attack.
Clog Central Areas During Palace’s Build-Up
Palace build out with a double pivot in midfield, wingbacks pushing high to provide width, and two No. 10s operating on either side of Strand Larsen. They can struggle to progress the ball with real intent during the early build-up phases, particularly through central channels. Adam Wharton possesses the ability to play line-breaking passes, but he can find it difficult to execute consistently in build-up due to Palace’s limited central numbers in deeper areas.
Igor Tudor wants his side to press. Against Fulham, Spurs’ press often appeared disjointed and lacked cohesion. If Tottenham press Palace, they must improve their coordination — understanding when to trigger the press and when to hold their shape, moving as a unified unit. Spurs should look to track Palace’s No. 10s when they drop into space and aim to congest central midfield, limiting the pivots’ ability to progress the ball.
If Tottenham can disrupt Palace’s build-up and consistently win possession high up the pitch, they could quickly turn turnovers into scoring opportunities.
Tottenham vs Crystal Palace Prediction
This appears to be a match where one or two defensive errors could ultimately decide the outcome. It has been difficult to confidently predict a Tottenham win this season; however, this projects as a low-scoring contest where fine margins may prove decisive.
A victory for Spurs is my prediction in what looks likely to be a tight, low-scoring affair.
Betting Tips
Pick: Tottenham – Draw No Bet
Odds:
- American: -164
- Decimal: 1.61
- Fractional: 61/100
As I said in my prediction, picking Tottenham to win any match this season is a high risk. I do believe that with Palace’s depletion in their back line, their struggles with scoring goals, and the space that can be unlocked between their lines when their shape is vertical, Tottenham could find a way to win in the margins. It could be third match lucky for Tudor.
I am backing Tottenham to win… with a draw no bet option.
Pick: Tottenham – Draw No Bet
Disclaimer: The betting picks and analysis shared are for informational purposes only and are not guarantees of outcome or financial advice. Please gamble responsibly and only risk money you are willing to lose.
