Crystal Palace have won on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A third consecutive victory might be enough to save Pierre Sage’s job.

That is the uncomfortable position facing the Eagles’ manager ahead of Saturday’s London derby, with Palace sitting just above the relegation zone after conceding more Premier League goals than anyone else.

The contrast with Tottenham is striking.

A fortnight ago, Roberto De Zerbi was facing serious questions of his own. Spurs had failed to win any of their opening six league matches, and another difficult season appeared to be taking shape.

Then came a 3-1 victory over Coventry, followed by a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge that gave Tottenham supporters something they have rarely enjoyed in recent years: bragging rights over Chelsea.

Suddenly, Spurs have seven points from their last three matches and an opportunity to secure three consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since February 2025.

Palace’s situation is considerably less encouraging.

A humiliating 5-0 defeat against Brighton was followed by a 2-0 home loss to Newcastle, leaving Sage under mounting pressure just four months after replacing Oliver Glasner.

Wednesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup victory at Fulham offered some relief, but the Eagles have conceded 19 goals in eight league matches. Only two clubs sit below them in the table.

There is at least some encouragement in their recent record against Spurs. Palace have won three of the last four league meetings, including a 3-1 victory in north London in March.

But Tottenham look increasingly confident, while Palace’s defensive problems show little sign of disappearing.

For De Zerbi, this is an opportunity to turn a promising recovery into genuine momentum. For Sage, it could be considerably more important than three points.

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What are the best betting tips for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace?

Tottenham to win

Tottenham have finally found some momentum under Roberto De Zerbi, following their 3-1 victory over Coventry with an impressive 2-0 win at Chelsea.

Seven points from their last three league matches represent a significant improvement on their winless opening six games. Spurs are beginning to look more comfortable in possession, while their attacking players are finding space in dangerous areas.

Palace, meanwhile, have lost five of their eight Premier League matches and conceded a league-high 19 goals. Their 5-0 defeat at Brighton exposed serious defensive weaknesses, and Newcastle encountered little resistance in last weekend’s 2-0 victory.

The Eagles have an excellent recent record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but current form favours the hosts. With confidence returning and Palace struggling defensively, Tottenham should have enough to secure a third consecutive league victory.

Over 2.5 goals

Crystal Palace’s defensive record makes this an appealing market. The Eagles have conceded 19 goals in eight Premier League matches, an average of 2.38 per game.

Brighton put five past them earlier this month, while Newcastle scored twice at Selhurst Park last weekend. Although Palace kept a clean sheet against Fulham in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory, their league performances remain concerning.

Tottenham scored three against Coventry before putting two past Chelsea, with Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus and Omar Marmoush providing attacking options capable of exploiting Palace’s defensive uncertainty.

The visitors also possess a threat through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Yéremy Pino. Palace have scored nine league goals themselves, and an open London derby could produce opportunities at both ends.

Mathys Tel anytime goalscorer

Mathys Tel is beginning to justify the faith Roberto De Zerbi has placed in him.

The French forward scored in Tottenham’s 2-0 victory at Chelsea, building on an encouraging performance against Coventry as Spurs finally rediscovered their attacking confidence.

Palace’s defensive problems could provide Tel with another opportunity. The Eagles have conceded more goals than any other Premier League side, and their back three has struggled when opponents attack with pace.

With Kudus capable of creating chances from the right and Tottenham increasingly willing to commit players forward, Tel should have opportunities to add to his tally. This selection is particularly appealing if he retains his starting place.

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How to watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026

Kick-off: 5:30 pm GMT

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Competition: Premier League, Matchweek 9

United Kingdom: Sky Sports

United States: Check NBC Sports and Peacock listings.

Canada: Fubo, subject to local listings.

Tottenham predicted lineup and team news

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Gallagher, Tonali, Fernandes; Kudus, Solanke, Tel.

Roberto De Zerbi is expected to retain much of the side that defeated Chelsea 2-0 last weekend. Mathys Tel should keep his place following his goal at Stamford Bridge, while Mohammed Kudus and Dominic Solanke provide additional attacking options.

Rodrigo Bentancur serves the final match of his three-game suspension. Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Savio remain unavailable through injury, while Destiny Udogie and Mykhaylo Mudryk face fitness assessments.

James Maddison is also a doubt after suffering groin discomfort against Chelsea. Lucas Bergvall and Tosin Adarabioyo could return to contention, although neither is guaranteed to feature.

Crystal Palace predicted lineup and team news

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Predicted XI: Henderson; Richards, Disasi, Canvot; Khalaili, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; McNeil, Pino; Mateta.

Pierre Sage is expected to restore several regular starters following Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Fulham. Dean Henderson should return in goal, while Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell and Axel Disasi are all candidates to start.

Ismaïla Sarr remains unavailable with a recurring groin problem, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Chadi Riad are also sidelined. Quinten Timber and Jørgen Strand Larsen are working towards returns, but their involvement remains uncertain.

Eddie Nketiah scored the winner against Fulham and will hope to retain his place. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to lead the attack, supported by Yéremy Pino and Dwight McNeil.

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace stats

• Tottenham sit 14th in the Premier League with nine points from eight matches.
• Crystal Palace are 17th with seven points from eight matches.
• Spurs are unbeaten in their last three league games, winning twice and drawing once.
• Tottenham have beaten Coventry 3-1 and Chelsea 2-0 in their last two Premier League fixtures.
• Spurs are chasing three consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since February 2025.
• Crystal Palace have lost five of their opening eight league matches.
• Palace have conceded 19 Premier League goals, more than any other side.
• The Eagles have conceded an average of 2.38 goals per league match.
• Palace lost 5-0 against Brighton before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
• Tottenham have lost their last two home league meetings with Crystal Palace.
• Palace have won three of their last four Premier League encounters with Spurs.
• Roberto De Zerbi is unbeaten in four previous Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace as a manager, winning twice and drawing twice.
• Crystal Palace defeated Fulham 1-0 in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie, with Eddie Nketiah scoring the winner.

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace prediction

Tottenham’s recent improvement has come at an important time for Roberto De Zerbi.

After six league matches without a victory, Spurs have beaten Coventry and Chelsea in successive games, and their attacking players are beginning to show signs of confidence.

Palace have enjoyed considerable success against Tottenham in recent seasons, but their current defensive record makes another away victory difficult to envisage.

Nineteen goals conceded in eight matches is a serious concern, particularly against opponents who have rediscovered their attacking rhythm.

The Eagles should take encouragement from Wednesday’s victory at Fulham, and Mateta remains capable of causing problems for Tottenham’s defence.

However, De Zerbi’s side look better organised and more dangerous than they did earlier in the campaign.

With Kudus, Solanke and Tel providing different attacking threats, Spurs should create enough opportunities to punish Palace’s defensive weaknesses.

I expect the visitors to offer some resistance, but Tottenham’s improving form should prove decisive.

Score prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Crystal Palace

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