Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Prediction | Premier League 2025/26 | EPL Prediction | Dec 28 – Can Palace Deepen the Crisis for 14th-Placed Tottenham?

Selhurst Park is set to host a chaotic London derby under the lights, with the mood in the two dugouts contrasting sharply. The Eagles are soaring in fifth place, riding a wave of confidence under Oliver Glasner, while the visitors arrive in South London desperate to arrest a slide that has seen them drop to 11th. The home side enters this clash in high spirits, having found a rhythm that makes them formidable opponents, whereas the North Londoners are licking their wounds following a “woeful” 3–0 drubbing at the hands of Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Match Details at a Glance

Injury News and Suspensions

Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner’s squad depth is being tested significantly. The midfield engine room is lighter than usual with Cheick Oumar Doucouré out until mid-January 2026 due to a knee injury. The defense also takes a hit, as Chadi Riad is recovering from a cruciate ligament injury and isn’t expected back until early January, while Daniel Munoz is sidelined with a knee issue until mid-January.

Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank is navigating a full-blown crisis in the treatment room. The most devastating blow is the loss of creative fulcrum James Maddison, who is out until May 2026 with a cruciate ligament injury. The problems continue up front, with Dominic Solanke (ankle) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee) both targeting late December returns, though this game might come too soon.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Head-to-Head Records

Form Guide

Crystal Palace

The South Londoners are arguably one of the most efficient sides in the league at the moment. Sitting comfortably in 5th place as of December 20, 2025, Glasner has instilled a belief that allows them to compete with the elite. Their recent form is particularly terrifying for opponents, notably away from home where they have won five of their last six. At Selhurst, the energy is electric. The team’s strength lies in their collective work ethic and rapid transitions via wing-play.

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are currently a shadow of the team their fans expect. Sitting 11th, Thomas Frank is under increasing pressure to find a formula that works amidst the absences. Losing to Forest 3–0 highlighted their fragility; when their structure collapses, it collapses hard. While they still possess creative movement and transition quickly when confident, their defensive vulnerability to long balls is a glaring weakness,one that Palace will surely target.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Key Battles

Jean-Philippe Mateta vs Cristian Romero

Based on the players available, a likely key duel is the physical battle centrally. Jean-Philippe Mateta is the battering ram of the Palace attack. His ability to hold up the ball and bring the likes of Sarr into play is fundamental to Glasner’s system. He will be up against Cristian Romero, Spurs’ aggressive defensive leader. Romero loves to step up and intercept, effectively gambling on winning the ball early. If Mateta can use his body to roll Romero or draw fouls, he disrupts the visitors’ defensive line.

Ismaila Sarr vs Djed Spence

With Udogie out, Djed Spence is likely to feature in the wide defensive areas, and he faces a torrid evening against Ismaila Sarr. Sarr’s electric pace and direct running are tailor-made for counter-attacking football. He will look to isolate Spence, forcing him onto his back foot. Spence offers athleticism and recovery pace, but his defensive positioning can sometimes be suspect under sustained pressure. If Sarr gets behind Spence, the Spurs’ defense will be stretched horizontally, opening gaps for late runs from midfield.

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Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Tactical Outlook

Oliver Glasner is expected to deploy his side in a formation that emphasizes width and verticality. Without Doucouré, the onus falls on Wharton to control the tempo and recycle possession to the wide men quickly. Palace will likely cede possession to Spurs, inviting the press before bypassing the midfield with direct balls to Mateta or utilizing the pace of Pino and Sarr. Defensively, Guehi and Lacroix will need to be alert to the fluid movement of Spurs’ front line, but they will fancy their chances against a team lacking a traditional number nine.

Thomas Frank, known for his adaptability, finds his hands tied by personnel. He will likely ask Bentancur and Gray to screen the defense, but the lack of Maddison means the creative burden falls heavily on Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons. Expect Spurs to try and play through the lines, utilizing quick one-twos to break Palace’s block. However, their high defensive line is a massive risk against Palace’s speed.

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Possible Playing Squad

Crystal Palace XI:

Henderson (GK), Clyne, Guehi, Lacroix, Richards, Mitchell, Wharton, Kamada, Pino, Sarr, Mateta

Tottenham Hotspur XI:

Vicario (GK), Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence, Gray, Bentancur, Kudus, Simons, Richarlison, Kolo Muani

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur Match Prediction

The momentum heavily favors the home side. Selhurst Park is never an easy place to visit, let alone for a team suffering from a confidence crisis and a crowded medical room. The Eagles are organized, aggressive, and have a clear identity under Glasner. Conversely, Frank’s Spurs look disjointed and vulnerable to the exact type of physical, direct football Palace excels at. While the visitors have enough individual talent in Simons and Kudus to score, their defensive fragility suggests they will struggle to keep the back door shut.

Score Prediction

Crystal Palace 2–1 Tottenham Hotspur; The Eagles’ intensity and home advantage should be enough to edge out a depleted Spurs side that is struggling to find its footing.

Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.