Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace: Match prediction and team news

Tottenham Hotspur will host Crystal Palace on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in their third consecutive London derby, hoping to turn around a frustrating start to 2026.

Spurs have gone 10 league games without a win, and Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham extended their winless streak.

Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have experienced mixed form but remain competitive under Oliver Glasner, making them a dangerous opponent in North London.

Two games into his tenure, Igor Tudor has already faced criticism. After the loss to Fulham, he openly lamented Spurs’ performance across all three thirds of the field, citing defensive lapses and inconsistent attacking play.

The Lilywhites remain 16th in the table, just four points above the relegation zone, making this derby crucial to stop their slide.

Despite injuries and suspensions, Tudor could be tempted to start Mathys Tel and Richarlison up front after their promising performances in recent matches.

Palace have struggled with inconsistency but remain tough in London derbies, suffering only one defeat in their last nine away games against London rivals.

The absence of key defender Maxence Lacroix, who serves a one-match suspension, and a few other injuries will test Glasner’s squad depth, but the Eagles have adapted well in recent weeks.

Their ability to exploit Tottenham’s defensive weaknesses, combined with home pressure, makes them strong candidates to take all three points.

Team News and lineups

Tottenham Hotspur (possible XI): Vicario; Djed Spence, Van de Ven, Dragusin; Porro, Sarr, Palhinha, Gray; Simons; Tel, Richarlison
Key absentees: Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero (suspended)

Crystal Palace (possible XI): Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Riad; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Johnson; Strand Larsen
Key absentees: Maxence Lacroix (suspended), Cheick Doucoure, Eddie Nketiah, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jefferson Lerma

Prediction

While Tottenham enjoy home advantage, their ongoing struggles and Palace’s ability to stay organised in defence make the visitors the favourites.

Crystal Palace are predicted to edge a hard-fought London derby with a 2-1 victory, continuing their reputation as a challenging opponent away from Selhurst Park.

Spurs will need major improvements across the pitch to halt their Premier League slide.

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