Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: Preview & Prediction

White Hart Lane provides the backdrop for a derby between North and South-East London on Saturday afternoon, when Tottenham Hotspur entertain Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Lilywhites opened up their top-flight campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Everton at Goodison Park last Saturday, so they will be intent on recording their first maximum points of 2016/17 when Alan Pardew’s Palace visit.

Erik Lamela’s 59th minute equaliser ensured Tottenham vacated Goodison Park with a point on the board, after Ross Barkley had initially netted a fifth minute free-kick for the Toffees.

Last season; the young, energetic Spurs side sustained a Premier League title challenge, however they slipped up in the final few weeks, dropping behind North London rivals Arsenal, and eventual champions Leicester City, to finish in third.

Recent summer recruits, Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen both made their Spurs debuts at Everton, with Pochettino hopeful of another positive nine months amongst England’s elite.

As for Crystal Palace, the Selhurst Park outfit make the journey from Croydon across the capital, looking to get back on track after defeat to West Bromwich Albion on home soil last Saturday.

The only goal of the contest came 74 minutes into play, courtesy of Baggies’ forward Salomon Rondon. His strike made it a losing start for the Eagles.

Despite defeat on the opening day, the signing of Liverpool forward Christian Benteke following his £27m move shows that Pardew is finally addressing the lack of goals from his side – Palace were the fourth lowest scorers in the division last season.

Benteke joins Andros Townsend, Steve Mandanda and James Tomkins in signing, in an indifferent summer of transfers, which included departures of Yannick Bolasie and Mile Jedinak.

Tottenham beat Palace at White Hart Lane in the last league match between the sides in September 2015, as Son Heung-min’s strike late into proceedings proved decisive.

Palace’s new £27m capture, Benteke – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Team News:

Michel Vorm will replace Hugo Lloris in goal for Tottenham, due to the French international being ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Mousa Dembele will serve the fourth instalment of his six-game suspension.

Whilst for the Eagles; Tomkins, James McArthur and Jordon Mutch could all potentially be included in Pardew’s plans from the off.

Yohan Cabaye is also set to return to the visitors’ central midfield, he is now considered fit enough for a starting berth.

Last Season: Tottenham – 3rd (70pts); Crystal Palace – 15th (42pts)
League Form: Tottenham – WDDLLD; Crystal Palace – DLLWLL
Last Meeting: Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Crystal Palace – (February 21, 2016 – FA Cup fifth-round)
Key Men: Tottenham Hotspur – Erik Lamela; Crystal Palace – Andros Townsend
Shoot Says: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Crystal Palace