Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
Looking to spring an upset and claim London bragging rights on Wednesday night, Crystal Palace will welcome Tottenham to Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace
Starting with the hosts, while Crystal Palace might have marked their return from the World Cup break with a woeful 3-0 drumming at home against Fulham, the Eagles certainly came roaring back over the weekend. Eventually breezing their way to a deserved 2-0 victory away at relegation scrappers Bournemouth, Patrick Vieira’s side have impressed many across the Premier League this season. With a top-half finish at the top of their agenda in 2023, the former Nice boss could be smelling the chance for his squad to spring a real upset on Wednesday night. However, despite losing just a trio of their last nine top-flight showdowns – a run that stems back to October 1st – the midweek hosts will be worried by their most recent meeting against the top-four contenders. When the two sides last faced off on Boxing Day in 2021, Vieira’s men were hit with a 3-0 drumming in north London.
Team News
While James Tomkins is available to make his return from suspension on Wednesday night, Crystal Palace will still be without fellow defender Tyrick Mitchell here.
Likewise, the Eagles have already confirmed that they will once again be unable to call upon Nathan Ferguson and James McArthur with the duo still dealing with long-term issues.
Tottenham
As for the visitors, putting in another worrying display on New Year’s Day as they were hit with a 2-0 loss at home against Aston Villa, Tottenham find themselves in the midst of an extended rut. With it looking like there is growing pressure on Antonio Conte’s shoulders, Spurs have managed to win just a pair of their previous six Premier League showdowns – a run that stems back to October 15th. Slipping out of the Champions League places and showing the same issues that haunted them prior to the World Cup break, the former Chelsea boss will have a headache over his side’s continued struggles at the back. Without a single clean sheet on that six-match run, the top-four hopefuls will know that they can not afford many more slip-ups. However, last seen outside of north London playing out a lively 2-2 draw away at Brentford, it should also be noted that Spurs have recorded just two Premier League victories on the road since the end of August.
Team News
In what could potentially be a real boost for Tottenham on Wednesday night, Conte’s side are hopeful that Dejan Kulusevski will be able to play some part at Selhurst Park.
However, Spurs will be without the likes of Richarlison, Lucas Moura and Rodrigo Bentancur in south London. Likewise, ex-Brighton star Yves Bissouma will also miss out as he serves a one-match suspension.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides last faced off on Boxing Day in 2021, Tottenham picked up a 3-0 romp on home soil.
- However, Spurs have won just a pair of their previous six Premier League matchups – a run that stems back to October 15th.
- Likewise, Tottenham have also failed to record a single top-flight clean sheet on that six-match run.
- Crystal Palace have lost just a trio of their last nine Premier League showdowns – a run that stems back to October 1st.
- Each of the last eight meetings between Crystal Palace and Tottenham have finished with over 1.5 goals.
Conclusion
While Tottenham might be tipped as a standout pick on Wednesday night, Conte’s inconsistent squad could face another tricky test here. Mustering just two wins from any of their last six Premier League matchups, Spurs have also slipped out of the top-four and they have the feel of a side seeking a much-needed boost. Failing to muster a single clean sheet on that six-match run, Crystal Palace could be smelling the chance to spring an upset at Selhurst Park. It should be highlighted, with Wednesday’s opponents seeing each of their last eight straight meetings finish with over 1.5 goals, we’re backing a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Over 1.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
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