Tottenham vs Crystal Palace – News and Probable Lineups

In danger of recording their longest-ever Premier League winless streak, Tottenham Hotspur welcomes Crystal Palace on Thursday evening for their third consecutive London derby.

The Lilywhites have not secured a win in 10 league matches after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Sunday, while their opponents also faced a similar fate, losing by the same margin against Manchester United in their last outing.

Match overview

Just two games into his tenure, Igor Tudor may have already had his Antonio Conte moment, opting for unrestrained criticism in a fiery press conference following Sunday’s painful defeat at Craven Cottage.

The Croatian was understandably frustrated by an apparent push from Raul Jimenez on Radu Dragusin that went unpunished, particularly after Randal Kolo Muani was penalised for a similar incident against Arsenal one week prior. He further lamented the “incredible” situation where his side is ‘lacking’ in all areas of the pitch.

Tudor’s harsh evaluation was not without merit, especially considering that Tottenham remains the only team yet to claim a Premier League victory in 2026, with Sunday’s setback tying their longest winless streak in the league, a record dating back to 1994.

Fortunately for the Europa League-winning team in peril of relegation, the misfortunes of Nottingham Forest and West Ham United at the weekend have not compounded their difficulties; they maintain 16th place in the Premier League, four points clear of the relegation zone, at least until this week’s matches commence.

However, coming off four consecutive losses in the top flight, no team is currently in worse form than Tottenham, and it’s noteworthy to recall who their last Premier League victory was against.

Thursday’s clash will see two managers who are likely to part ways with their clubs at the end of the season, as Tudor’s tenure at Tottenham seems precarious, while Oliver Glasner’s position at Crystal Palace is undoubtedly in jeopardy.

Uncertainty regarding the Austrian’s future may have contributed to the Eagles’ miserable 12-match winless stretch from December to February, but recent form has improved slightly for the FA Cup holders, boasting three wins in their last six outings across all competitions.

Crystal Palace nearly ended Michael Carrick’s unbeaten run as Man United manager at Old Trafford, as Maxence Lacroix struck early to stun the home crowd, but a penalty and subsequent red card for the Frenchman turned the tide of the match.

As the 14th-placed visitors, they cannot fall lower even with another loss on Thursday. Glasner’s squad has lost just once in their last nine Premier League London derbies away, with that lone defeat coming against leaders Arsenal in October.

However, the Eagles were the opponents of Tottenham’s last Premier League triumph, with Thomas Frank’s side winning 1-0 at Selhurst Park in December, though Palace claimed a 2-0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the latter part of 2024-25.

Team News

Tottenham received a much-needed boost on the injury front against Fulham, with Kevin Danso and Pedro Porro back from their respective layoffs, but Djed Spence was ruled out before kickoff due to a minor calf issue.

It remains unclear whether Spence will be available for the match against Palace, but none of Tottenham’s other sidelined players – Destiny Udogie (thigh), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Dejan Kulusexi (knee), James Maddison (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee), and the suspended Cristian Romero – will return in time for Thursday’s fixture.

Tottenham supporters are hoping for Mathys Tel to be given an opportunity from the outset after his positive impact at Craven Cottage, while Richarlison has also made a compelling case for inclusion following his eighth goal of the Premier League season last weekend.

Tudor and Glasner can relate over suspended centre-backs for the upcoming derby, as Lacroix serves a one-match ban this week for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity at Old Trafford.

Chadi Riad is expected to step into Glasner’s defensive line to replace Lacroix, who joins the injured Cheick Doucoure (knee), Eddie Nketiah (thigh), Jean-Philippe Mateta (knee), and Jefferson Lerma (thigh) on the sidelines, although the latter two may return at some point this month.

Jorgen Strand Larsen also seemed to be struggling after being substituted in the 58th minute against Manchester United, but currently, there are no indications that the Scandinavian will be unfit to lead the attack in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur probable starting XI:

Vicar; Danso, Van de Ven, Dragusin; Porro, Sarr, Palhinha, Gray; Simons; Tel, Richarlison

Crystal Palace probable starting XI:

Henderson; Canvot, Richards, Riad; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Johnson; Strand Larsen

Predicting a Tottenham win in the Premier League for 2026 has proven nearly impossible thus far, but the conditions appear set for the Lilywhites to finally change their luck – if only for 90 minutes.

With Richarlison and Tel showcasing their potential in attack, and a disjointed Palace likely to miss the vital Lacroix, Tudor could find his fortunes changing for the better.