Tottenham Hotspur are in sublime form across competitions as they set to travel to South this weekend to lock horns with Crystal Palace for another London derby. The Lilywhites finished as the group leaders in the Europa League following a routine 2-0 win over Antwerp on Thursday night and are high on confidence after knocking their North London rivals Arsenal down a week ago.
Although its too early to predict the outcome, Spurs have shown grit and determination to retain the leading status in the Premier League standings. The Eagles, on the other hand, are back to winning ways (against West Brom) in the aftermath of successive defeats versus Newcastle United and Burnley but are expecting a tricky test ahead at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.
4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup To Face Crystal Palace
Defence
Spurs have the comfort of lining up an alternate squad in Europe. The game against Palace should see the first-team stars returning to action with skipper Hugo Lloris set to replace Joe Hart between the sticks.
Jose Mourinho fielded a ‘back three’ versus Antwerp but should revert to a ‘four-man backline’ with Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier reclaiming the central defensive slots. Right fullback Serge Aurier was sidelined against the Belgian outfit with a knock and would undergo a late fitness test before facing the Eagles. Matt Doherty is likely to operate from the wide unless the Ivorian recovers in time. Sergio Reguilon, impressive since completing a summer transfer, should retain his place on the left.
Midfield
A double pivot of Moussa Sissoko and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg must be restored deep down the midfield. Their work rate and relentless pressing would be crucial in controlling the show from the centre of the pitch, whereas the return of Tanguy Ndombele should see Spurs gaining the upper hand against Roy Hodgson’s men. Both Gareth Bale and Lucas Moura got the nod in midweek and the gaffer, thus, is tipped to bring back sensational Son Heung-min and Steven Bergwijn from the start to maintain their supremacy in the attacking third. Giovani Lo Celso might get involved in the second half as an impact substitute.
Attack
Hitman Harry Kane is in sublime form and the Son-Kane duo has taken the league by storm so far this year. The Palace defence has been vulnerable at times amid fitness concerns and the pacy pair would look to expose the hosts from their trademark counter-attacks. Carlos Vinícius has been a good addition high up the pitch and the Benfica loanee (having impressed in Europa League with 3 goals and assists each) would continue to feature as the understudy to the Three Lions skipper.
