Spurs Starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Tottenham predicted lineup and injury news ahead of Crystal Palace clash

Tottenham travel to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon facing a familiar challenge this season: how to balance tactical continuity with enforced changes. Another London derby arrives at a delicate moment for Thomas Frank, whose side have shown flashes of cohesion and attacking fluency but continue to be disrupted by suspensions and long-term absentees.

This fixture against Crystal Palace comes with heightened scrutiny, not just because of recent results, but because squad availability is once again shaping selection decisions. With several senior figures ruled out and others edging closer to returns, Tottenham’s predicted lineup reflects both necessity and opportunity as the Premier League calendar reaches its congested winter phase.

Photo: IMAGO

Selection issues force changes in defence

Tottenham’s defensive structure will look different this weekend after a costly previous outing. Cristian Romero is suspended following his red card, while Xavi Simons will also serve a ban after a separate disciplinary incident. Their absence removes two influential presences from Frank’s preferred XI and forces a reshuffle at the back.

Kevin Danso is expected to step into central defence alongside Micky van de Ven, offering physicality and aerial security against a Palace side that remain dangerous from set-pieces. Pedro Porro should continue at right-back, while Destiny Udogie would ordinarily start on the left, but his fitness situation complicates matters.

If Udogie is not deemed ready, Tottenham may have to adapt again, potentially asking van de Ven to cover wider areas or adjusting their build-up shape to compensate. The defensive line will therefore be under pressure to settle quickly, particularly in an away environment that can turn hostile early.

Midfield balance remains a priority

In midfield, Tottenham are likely to retain a double pivot designed to provide stability rather than risk. Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to anchor proceedings, offering composure in possession and positional discipline out of possession. He is likely to be partnered by Archie Gray, whose growing influence has been one of the more encouraging developments in recent weeks.

Further forward, Lucas Bergvall should continue to operate between the lines, tasked with linking midfield to attack and finding pockets of space behind Palace’s midfield block. His intelligence off the ball has become increasingly important in a side that has often lacked a natural rhythm during disrupted spells.

The absence of Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, both unavailable due to international commitments, limits Frank’s options and underlines the importance of managing workload carefully across the festive period.

Attacking setup reflects recent improvement

Tottenham’s attacking selection is expected to reward recent performances. Richarlison is in line to start through the middle after making a notable impact from the bench last time out. His energy and physical presence offer a different dimension to Spurs’ forward play, particularly against a Palace defence that prefers to hold a compact shape.

Out wide, Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani are expected to support the central striker, providing pace and directness in transition. Kudus, in particular, has become a key outlet in one-on-one situations, while Kolo Muani’s movement allows Tottenham to stretch the pitch vertically.

The emphasis will be on fluidity rather than rigid positional play, with Frank encouraging interchanges across the front four to disrupt Palace’s defensive organisation.

Injury news and long-term absentees

Tottenham’s injury list remains a significant factor in planning. Dominic Solanke continues to recover from a persistent ankle issue that has sidelined him since August, while Dejan Kulusevski is still working his way back from a long-standing patella problem. James Maddison is unlikely to feature again this season as he progresses through rehabilitation following a serious knee injury.

Udogie’s hamstring injury is being monitored closely, with a return expected early in the new year rather than this weekend. Elsewhere, Takai also remains unavailable, adding further strain to squad depth.

Frank has consistently played down timelines, preferring to reintegrate players only when they are fully ready. That approach is shaping Tottenham’s predicted lineup as much as tactical preference, with availability dictating selection more than form in several positions.

Tottenham are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system, with Vicario in goal; Porro, Danso, van de Ven and potentially Udogie across the back; Bentancur and Gray in midfield; Kolo Muani, Bergvall and Kudus supporting Richarlison.

This match represents another test of Tottenham’s adaptability. While injuries and suspensions continue to disrupt continuity, there is a growing sense that the underlying structure is beginning to hold. How effectively this predicted lineup performs may go a long way towards defining the tone of Tottenham’s second half of the season.