Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips
Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips
Competition: Premier League
Date: Thursday 5 March 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
The Premier League midweek action continues with an intriguing London derby as Tottenham Hotspur host Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday evening. Both teams find themselves in the lower half of the table and desperate for points as the season enters its final stretch.
For Spurs, currently languishing in 16th place with just 29 points from 28 matches, this represents a critical opportunity to begin climbing away from the relegation zone. Crystal Palace, sitting in 14th with 35 points, will be equally motivated to extend their cushion above the bottom three and potentially overtake Newcastle United just ahead of them.
Our Predictions
| Market | Prediction | Confidence | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Crystal Palace Win | ⭐⭐⭐ | Tottenham’s dreadful form (1 win in last 5) and defensive frailties |
| Both Teams to Score | Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | BTTS landed in 7 of last 10 H2H meetings |
| Over/Under 2.5 Goals | Under 2.5 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Palace’s tight defensive setup under Glasner |
| Correct Score | 1-2 Crystal Palace | ⭐⭐ | Palace’s counter-attacking threat against leaky Spurs defence |
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Match Odds Comparison
Match Result
| Bookmaker | Tottenham Win | Draw | Crystal Palace Win | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 13/10 | 9/4 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| Paddy Power | 13/10 | 9/4 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| Sky Bet | 13/10 | 9/4 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| BetMGM | 13/10 | 12/5 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| BoyleSports | 5/4 | 9/4 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| Betfred | 13/10 | 5/2 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
| Betway | 13/10 | 12/5 | 2/1 | Claim Offer |
Both Teams to Score
| Bookmaker | Yes | No | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 8/13 | 6/5 | Claim Offer |
| Paddy Power | 4/7 | 6/5 | Claim Offer |
| Sky Bet | 8/13 | 6/5 | Claim Offer |
| BetMGM | 4/7 | 5/4 | Claim Offer |
| BoyleSports | 8/15 | 13/10 | Claim Offer |
| Betfred | 8/11 | 11/10 | Claim Offer |
| Betway | 4/7 | 6/5 | Claim Offer |
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
| Bookmaker | Over 2.5 | Under 2.5 | Claim Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| bet365 | 4/5 | 1/1 | Claim Offer |
| Paddy Power | 8/11 | 20/21 | Claim Offer |
| Sky Bet | 4/5 | 10/11 | Claim Offer |
| BetMGM | 8/11 | 20/21 | Claim Offer |
| BoyleSports | 4/6 | 21/20 | Claim Offer |
| Betfred | 8/11 | 20/21 | Claim Offer |
| Betway | 8/11 | 20/21 | Claim Offer |
Tottenham Hotspur Team News
Tottenham approach this London derby under significant pressure following a disastrous run of form that has seen them win just once in their last five Premier League outings. Manager Igor Tudor faces an uphill battle to turn things around at a club that has become synonymous with inconsistency this season.
The Lilywhites’ recent results make for grim reading: a 1-2 defeat at Fulham was preceded by a crushing 1-4 North London derby defeat to Arsenal at home, a 1-2 reverse against Newcastle, and a 0-2 loss at Manchester United. The only positive result in that sequence was a 2-2 draw against Manchester City, where Spurs showed resilience to come from two goals down.
In goal, Guglielmo Vicario remains the first-choice custodian despite conceding 43 goals in 28 league matches this season. The Italian has struggled behind a defence that has looked vulnerable throughout the campaign.
The backline features key personnel including Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Pedro Porro, though injuries and suspensions have forced Tudor to shuffle his defensive pack regularly. Destiny Udogie and Radu Dragusin provide additional options at full-back and centre-back respectively.
Midfield has been an area of particular concern for Spurs. Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, and Pape Matar Sarr have all shown flashes of quality but have been unable to provide the consistent platform the team needs. The recent arrival of Xavi Simons on loan adds creativity, while João Palhinha offers defensive steel.
Up front, summer signing Dominic Solanke has shouldered much of the goalscoring burden, netting regularly despite the team’s struggles. Richarlison, Mathys Tel, and January loan arrival Randal Kolo Muani provide attacking options, though the Brazilian has been in and out of the side due to form and fitness concerns.
Crystal Palace Team News
Crystal Palace arrive in N17 under the stewardship of Austrian manager Oliver Glasner, who has implemented his trademark 3-4-2-1 system since taking charge. The Eagles have shown signs of progress under his guidance, though results have remained mixed.
Palace’s recent form shows two wins, two draws, and one defeat from their last five outings. A 1-0 victory over Brighton demonstrated their capability in derby matches, while a 1-0 home win against Wolves showed they can grind out results. However, a 2-3 home defeat to Burnley and a 1-2 loss at Manchester United in their most recent fixture highlight the inconsistency that has plagued their campaign.
In goal, Dean Henderson has established himself as the first-choice keeper, with the former Manchester United man providing reliable shot-stopping and distribution from the back.
The back three typically features Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, and Chadi Riad, though Glasner has also utilised Marc Guehi (when fit) and Nathaniel Clyne in defensive roles. Wing-backs Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Muñoz provide width and energy down the flanks.
The midfield engine room is powered by captain Jefferson Lerma and the technically gifted Cheick Doucouré, with Adam Wharton and Will Hughes offering additional options. Daichi Kamada has impressed since his summer arrival, adding creativity and goal threat from advanced midfield positions.
In attack, Jean-Philippe Mateta has been the main goal threat, with the Frenchman leading the club’s scoring charts. Summer signing Eddie Nketiah provides competition and depth, while Ismaïla Sarr and Eberechi Eze (when fit) offer pace and trickery from wide positions. Jørgen Strand Larsen is another option through the middle.
Head-to-Head Record
The recent head-to-head record between these two London clubs heavily favours Tottenham, though that trend may be tested given the current form of both sides.
Over the last ten meetings in all competitions, Tottenham have emerged victorious on seven occasions, with Crystal Palace winning three times. Remarkably, there have been no draws in the last ten encounters between these sides.
The most recent meeting came on Boxing Day 2025 at Selhurst Park, where Tottenham secured a narrow 1-0 victory. Spurs took an early lead through their attacking play and managed to hold on despite Palace pressure in the second half.
However, the reverse fixture last season (May 2025) saw Palace triumph 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, demonstrating that the Eagles are capable of securing positive results on this ground. Jean-Philippe Mateta was among the scorers that day, and he will be looking to repeat the feat.
Historically, matches between these teams have produced goals. The 2-3 scoreline in favour of Spurs in October 2024 and the 1-4 Tottenham victory at Selhurst Park in January 2023 are prime examples of the entertaining nature of this fixture.
Tactical Analysis
This match presents a fascinating tactical battle between two managers with distinctly different philosophies. Igor Tudor’s Tottenham have struggled to find a consistent identity, while Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace have shown clear signs of the Austrian’s structured approach.
Tottenham have typically employed a back three or back five system under Tudor, looking to use wing-backs to provide width in attack. However, defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed repeatedly, with Spurs conceding 43 goals in 28 league matches – the fifth-worst defensive record in the division.
The Lilywhites’ tendency to leave space in behind their high defensive line could play into Palace’s hands. Glasner’s side are well-drilled in transition, with the pace of Sarr and the intelligent movement of Mateta capable of exploiting such weaknesses.
Set pieces could prove decisive. Tottenham have struggled defending corners and free-kicks throughout the season, while Palace possess several aerial threats from dead-ball situations. Lacroix, Lerma, and Mateta all pose significant threats in the air.
The midfield battle will be crucial. If Palace’s Lerma and Doucouré can control the tempo and disrupt Tottenham’s build-up play, they will go a long way towards securing a positive result. Conversely, if Maddison and Simons can find space between the lines, Spurs have the creative quality to unlock the Eagles’ defence.
Premier League Standings Context
With just ten matches remaining after this fixture, both teams are acutely aware of the importance of securing points.
Tottenham’s position in 16th place with 29 points is precarious. While they hold a two-point advantage over Nottingham Forest in 17th, their recent form suggests they could easily be dragged into a relegation battle. With only seven wins from 28 matches and a negative goal difference of -5, the North London club are in real danger of their worst Premier League finish since the competition’s inception.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, sit in 14th place with 35 points – six clear of the drop zone. While they are not yet mathematically safe, Glasner’s side will feel confident of securing their top-flight status if they can maintain their current points-per-game ratio. The Eagles have been competitive throughout the season, with their 9 wins and 8 draws demonstrating greater consistency than their hosts.
The chasing pack includes Nottingham Forest (27 points), West Ham United (25 points), Burnley (19 points), and Wolves (16 points), meaning both Tottenham and Palace will be eager to avoid getting dragged into the relegation conversation entirely.
Key Players to Watch
Tottenham Hotspur
Dominic Solanke – The former Bournemouth striker has been Tottenham’s most reliable goalscorer this season. His movement in the box and ability to link play make him a constant threat, and Palace’s back three will need to be at their best to keep him quiet.
James Maddison – When at his best, Maddison is capable of unlocking any defence with his passing range and vision. The England international will look to operate in the pockets of space between Palace’s midfield and defence.
Cristian Romero – The Argentine defender is Tottenham’s most reliable centre-back and will be crucial in organising a backline that has looked vulnerable throughout the season. His aggressive style sets the tone for those around him.
Crystal Palace
Jean-Philippe Mateta – The French striker has been Palace’s main goal threat under Glasner, and his physicality and movement will test the Tottenham defence. Mateta has a good record against Spurs and will be confident of adding to his tally.
Daichi Kamada – The Japanese international has been a revelation since joining from Lazio, providing creativity and goal threat from advanced midfield positions. His intelligent runs and technical quality make him a key player in Palace’s attacking transitions.
Jefferson Lerma – The Colombian midfielder is the heartbeat of this Palace side, providing energy, tackling, and leadership. His battle with Tottenham’s midfielders will be crucial in determining who controls the tempo of the match.
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Match Prediction
Given Tottenham’s dreadful recent form and defensive vulnerabilities, this match represents an excellent opportunity for Crystal Palace to secure a valuable away victory. Spurs have lost four of their last five matches and appear bereft of confidence, while Palace have shown greater resilience and organisation under Glasner.
Both teams have found the net regularly in this fixture historically, and with Tottenham’s defensive record (43 goals conceded in 28 games), there should be chances for both sides. However, Palace’s structure and counter-attacking threat should prove the difference.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Crystal Palace
The Eagles’ superior organisation and Tottenham’s ongoing struggles should see the visitors claim all three points, dealing another blow to Igor Tudor’s hopes of turning the season around.
Best Bets
- Crystal Palace to win: Available at 2/1 with most bookmakers, this offers excellent value given the contrasting form of both sides.
- Both Teams to Score: At 8/11 with bet365, this looks a solid bet given the attacking talent on display and defensive vulnerabilities of both teams.
- Under 2.5 Goals: At 21/20 with BoyleSports, this could be worth considering if you expect Palace’s defensive structure to frustrate Tottenham.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta to score anytime: The Frenchman has a good record against Spurs and is Palace’s main goal threat.
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