Tottenham XI vs Crystal Palace: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today | OneFootball

Igor Tudor is expected to make changes for must-win London derby

Igor Tudor has plenty of decisions to make for Tottenham’s mammoth Premier League game at home to Crystal Palace.

Tonight’s game is therefore a must-win for Tudor, and he is likely to make changes to the experimental team he fielded against Fulham. He opted for a four-man defence last time out, moving away from his favoured 3-4-2-1 formation as he tried to spark a reaction from his team after their 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in his first game in charge.

Full-back Djed Spence is again out after he missed last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham with a minor calf injury, and it is hoped he will return to fitness in time for Spurs’ trip to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League next week.

Part of Tudor’s decision to change formation was influenced by the loss of Spence to a calf injury, with midfielder Archie Gray moved to left-back in a move that brought a lot of pressure on Spurs’ backline. Spence’s continued absence means teenage Brazilian left-back Souza may be handed his first start since completing a £13million move from Santos.

Guglielmo Vicario was on Sunday the subject of a mean-spirited social media post by the Premier League, who posted a video of the goalkeeper sending a free kick from his own half straight out for a goal kick at the other end. It prompted an official complaint from Spurs, and the post, which had gone viral, was deleted.

Despite the unnecessary social media post, Vicario’s performances have come under question of late, and his position in goal may be under threat with Antonin Kinsky in line to deputise if required.

Richarlison is pushing to start for Tottenham against Crystal Palace

John Walton/PA Wire

Tudor could also bring both Richarlison and Mathys Tel into his line-up, after encouraging cameos off the bench. Richarlison halved the deficit with a back-post header, while Tel, in particular, has struggled for consistent game time this season, and will hope he has done enough to earn a start.

It leaves both Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke at risk of dropping out, with the former seemingly trusted more by the interim coach.

Kevin Danso is expected to line up alongside Micky van de Ven at centre-back, bringing an end to Radu Dragusin’s miserable time as deputy. Captain Cristian Romero serves the final game of his four-match suspension following his sending off against Manchester United.

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-2-2): Vicario, Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Souza, Palhinha, Bissouma, Richarlison, Simons, Tel, Kolo Muani

Injured: Kudus, Bergvall, Bentancur, Davies, Udogie, Maddison, Kulusevski, Odobert, Spence

Suspended: Romero

Time and date: 8pm GMT on Thursday, March 5, 2026

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London