Crystal Palace vs Tottenham prediction - Premier League
Crystal Palace host Tottenham at Selhurst Park in a challenging London derby, with both teams facing significant squad crises.
11:30 PM, December 28, 2025 - A thrilling match at Selhurst Park
The clash between Crystal Palace and Tottenham in this round is crucial in redistributing the order in the middle of the table. While the home team, Crystal Palace, is currently safe in 9th place, Tottenham is going through a difficult period, having fallen to 14th place, a ranking that is unacceptable to the expectations of the Spurs fans.
Background of the league table and form
Currently, Crystal Palace holds a points advantage over their direct rivals in this match. Oliver Glasner's team has accumulated 26 points after 17 rounds, while Tottenham only has 22 points.
| Team | Location | Point | Form in the last 5 matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 9 | 26 | Win 2, Loss 3 |
| Tottenham | 14 | 22 | Win 1, Draw 1, Loss 3 |
Both teams have been inconsistent in recent form. Crystal Palace have won 2 and lost 3 of their last 5 matches. However, their home advantage is a major strength, with only 2 defeats at Selhurst Park since the start of the season. On the other hand, Tottenham are showing a worrying performance, having lost 3 of their last 5 matches, although they have won 4 away games this season.
Goal scoring statistics and performance
In terms of attacking ability, Tottenham have the edge with 26 goals (an average of 1.5 goals per game) compared to Crystal Palace's 21 goals (an average of 1.2 goals per game). However, Spurs' defense has proven to be weak, having conceded 23 goals, more than the home team's 19.
Head-to-head history: Crystal Palace has the advantage.
Although Tottenham are often considered the more prestigious team, recent head-to-head statistics favor the Selhurst Park side. In their last two encounters in 2024 and 2025, Crystal Palace won both matches with scores of 1-0 and 2-0 respectively. Looking at their last five meetings, Tottenham have won three and Crystal Palace have won two.
Team situation: Personnel crisis
Both managers will face a personnel dilemma for this London derby:
Crystal Palace
- Absent:Daichi Kamada (hamstring injury), Cheick Doucoure (knee injury), Daniel Munoz (knee injury), Ismaila Sarr (national team call-up), Riad (knee injury), Cardines (muscle injury) and Kporha (back injury).
- Left open:Chris Richards is having problems with his foot.
Tottenham
- Absent:This is a huge blow with the absence of creative duo James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski (both with knee injuries). Key striker Dominic Solanke (ankle injury) is also unavailable.
- Suspended sentence:Cristian Romero and X. Simons are absent due to red cards.
- Team training camp:Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr.
- Other injuries:Destiny Udogie (muscle injury) and Takai (foot injury).
Expert opinion
With both teams missing several key players, the match is likely to be a tight and cautious affair. Tottenham, while considered to have a higher chance of winning or drawing (around 45% for each scenario), will be significantly weakened by the absence of Maddison, Kulusevski, and Solanke.
Crystal Palace, with the advantage of playing at home and the confidence gained from their recent victories against their opponents, could certainly spring a surprise. A draw might be the most likely outcome given the current circumstances of both clubs.
Team lineup updated at 22:53 on 28/12/2025
Official lineup
Crystal Palace
Diagram: 3-4-2-1
CoachOliver Glasner
Starting lineup:
- 1. Dean Henderson (G)
- 8. Jefferson Lerma (D)
- 5. Maxence Lacroix (D)
- 6. Marc Guéhi (D)
- 17. Nathaniel Clyne (M)
- 19. Will Hughes (M)
- 20. Adam Wharton (M)
- 3. Tyrick Mitchell (M)
- 10. Yéremy Pino (F)
- 55. Justin Davenny (F)
- 14. Jean-Philippe Mateta (F)
Substitutes:
- 44. Walter Benítez
- 23. Jaydee Canvot
- 72. Dean Benamar
- 21. Romain Esse
- 24. Borna Sosa
- 42. Kaden Rodney
- 86. Joel Drakes-Thomas
- 9. Edward Nketiah
- 12. Christantus Uche
Tottenham
Diagram: 4-2-3-1
CoachThomas Frank
Starting lineup:
- 1. Guglielmo Vicario (G)
- 23. Pedro Porro (D)
- 4. Kevin Danso (D)
- 37. Micky van de Ven (D)
- 24. Djed Spence (D)
- 30. Rodrigo Bentancur (M)
- 14. Archie Gray (M)
- 20. Mohammed Kudus (M)
- 15. Lucas Bergvall (M)
- 39. Randal Kolo Muani (M)
- 9. Richardson (F)
Substitutes:
- 31. Antonín Kinsý
- 3. Radu Drăguşin
- 25. Kota Takai
- 33. Ben Davies
- 6. João Palhinha
- 11. Mathys Tel
- 22. Brennan Johnson
- 44. Dane Scarlett
- 28. Wilson Odobert
