Tottenham vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news

The Football Faithful

·11 May 2025

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news

One of this afternoon’s five Premier League fixtures is a London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

The Spurs camp will be in a jubilant mood after they booked their spot in the Europa League final on Thursday night. It was a gruelling trip to the Arctic Circle, where the Lilywhites beat Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt 5-1 on aggregate in the semi-final.

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With the final against Manchester United in just 10 days, Ange Postecoglou is expected to heavily rotate his line-up. Ben Davies and Kevin Danso are expected to start in central defence, while Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel will likely occupy the flanks.

Postecoglou hinted that Spurs captain Heung-min Son may feature in some capacity this afternoon following a month out with a foot problem. James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Radu Dragusin are all out for the rest of the season.

Crystal Palace are aiming to extend their unbeaten run to five matches by avoiding defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Eagles also have a final on the horizon, as they play Manchester City to decide who lifts the FA Cup next weekend

Adam Wharton isn’t available for action this weekend, but his manager Oliver Glasner is hopeful the midfielder will recover in time for their trip to Wembley. The former Blackburn midfielder was forced off the pitch with an ankle issue against Nottingham Forest on Monday night.

Aside from Wharton, Palace have no fresh injury concerns. Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are set to miss the remainder of this season and potentially the entirety of pre-season.

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace – Match preview and team news

Form

Tottenham Hotspur: LLWDW

It was a historic night for Tottenham on Thursday as they reached the Europa League final. Following their 3-1 win in the first leg over Bodo/Glimt, the Lilywhites dealt with the adverse conditions astutely to add another two goals to the aggregate scoreline.

Dominic Solanke tapped home just after the hour mark before Pedro Porro’s attempted cross flew into the back of the net. Ange Postecoglou and his players have two league games to prepare for the final against Manchester United on 21 May.

After hosting Crystal Palace this afternoon, they travel to Aston Villa next Friday, a game that has been rescheduled to help them in their European endeavours.

Read – Every time English sides have met in a European final

Crystal Palace: LDDWD

Palace have proved difficult opposition in recent weeks, taking points off multiple teams fighting for European qualification. On Monday the Eagles frustrated Nottingham Forest in a match that ended all square at Selhurst Park.

Their 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final was preceded by a 2-2 draw away to Arsenal. Ismaila Sarr netted a brace to send the Eagles to only their third ever FA Cup final, before Jean-Philippe Mateta snatched a point at the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester City are the only thing standing in between them and their first piece of major silverware. Winning the final would also see them qualify for Europe for the first time.

Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, 27th October 2024

Crystal Palace claimed their first league win of the season with a slender victory over Tottenham Hotspur last October.

After an uneventful opening half hour, Palace broke the deadlock through Jean-Philippe Mateta. Spurs’ desire to retain possession in defence was matched by the determined press from the hosts. Daniel Munoz dispossessed Micky van de Ven before firing a cross into the middle. Eberechi Eze displayed great awareness and unselfishness to skilfully flick the ball into Mateta’s path, who drilled a finish through Guglielmo Vicario.

The visitors almost levelled matters before the break but were denied by the woodwork. Following a corner, Van de Ven’s effort goalward struck Brennan Johnson. The Welshman’s touch directed the ball onto the post, despite the 23-year-old having very little control over its destination.

Dean Henderson was in inspired form and reacted smartly to deny both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski from close-range either side of the break.

Appeals for a penalty then bellowed around Selhurst Park, as Eze was seemingly impeded by Van de Ven. Replays suggested the defender pulled Eze’s shirt, but VAR didn’t overturn the referee’s on-field decision of no foul.

Vicario then produced a string of saves to keep his side in the contest. The Italian thwarted Ismaila Sarr with his feet before parrying both Eze and Adam Wharton’s shots from distance.

Palace deservedly collected a priceless three points, which alleviated some pressure off manager Oliver Glasner.

Read – Premier League to have six teams in 2025/26 Champions League

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be at 14:15 BST on Sunday 11th May 2025.

Who is the referee?

Chris Kavanagh will be the match official. Ian Hussin and Richard West will assist him while Simon Hooper will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Graham Scott and he will be assisted by Constantine Hatzidakis.