Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 24/02/2018

Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League Preview and Odds

February 25, 2018 12:00pm - Selhurst Park

Premier League

After clawing back a 2-1 deficit to earn a draw at Juventus in the Champions League, fifth-ranked Tottenham Hotspur will now resume their pursuit of a top-four finish in the Premier League when they visit relegation-threatened Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Spurs have not lost a match since going down 4-1 at Manchester City back in December although they have drawn three of their last five matches by 2-2 scorelines. Away from home, they have won just two of their last 10 in all competitions and two of their last nine in the Premier League. Despite their patchy away form, they will arrive in South London as clear favourites with the bookies.

Toby Alderweireld has been suffering from a thigh problem and will undergo a late fitness test. He remains the only doubt for the visitors.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are currently sat just one point clear of the drop zone and come into this game with a large number of their squad out of action. Whether that is down to bad luck or poor preparation is unclear but it will certainly not help the Eagles quest for survival under Roy Hodgson.

Despite their medical woes, Hodgson`s men have lost just one of their last 11 matches at home in all competitions. That run included a draw against Manchester City and wins over Chelsea and Burnley, while their sole defeat came by way of a 2-3 defeat to Arsenal.

That strong home form should give Mauricio Pochettino food for thought as he looks to chase down Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United in the league. They will need to be at their very best to take anything from this match and they must take lessons from the FA cup stalemates against Rochdale and Newport County.

Betting odds and tips

Selhurst Park can be a difficult place to visit at the best of time and with Palace fighting for survival after coming back from a 15-day break, a Spurs victory is by no means a given. The absence of Ward, Sakho, Zaha, Kelley, Sako, Schlupp, Dann, Loftus-Cheek and Puncheon has not helped Palace`s cause but this is something they have got used to this term.

By Neil Morris