Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to mark their return from the international break with a flurry across the capital, Tottenham will make the trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday lunchtime when they face off against Crystal Palace.

Crystal Palace

Starting with the hosts, managing to come from behind away at a high-flying West Ham twice before heading into the international break, Crystal Palace will be desperate to show their resolve once again. Watching Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher grab himself a brace at the London Stadium last time out, the Eagles are still waiting for their first victory under new boss Patrick Vieira. Opening the 2021/22 Premier League campaign with what quickly turned into a routine 3-0 drumming at Stamford Bridge, the former Arsenal icon is still searching for his new-look squad to fully find their feet. Coming under some scrutiny after crashing out of the League Cup against a heavily altered Watford side last month, Palace have failed to build off of their pre-season success over the summer. Without a win from any of their four competitive matchups so far this season, Vieira’s side could face another stern test at Selhurst Park when they return to action on Saturday lunchtime.

Team News

Crystal Palace are hopeful that summer arrival Michael Olise could recover from a back injury and play some part at Selhurst Park this weekend.

Likewise, working his way to full match fitness, skipper Luka Milivojevic could make his first appearance of the season on Saturday lunchtime.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, while Crystal Palace might find themselves still searching for a first competitive victory since opening the 2021/22 campaign, Tottenham have shocked many across the Premier League. Putting in what was a surprise display when they landed a 1-0 victory against defending champions Manchester City on the opening weekend, Spurs do appear to have found an immediate boost under new boss Nuno Espírito Santo. With it finally decided that attacking talisman Harry Kane would be staying put in North London this year, the former Wolves manager has seen his side win each of their first three top-flight contests. In fact, signing off their August run with a 1-0 win against Watford on home soil, the Lilywhites are the only Premier League side who can boast a 100% start to the new campaign. Also managing to overturn their European deficit against Paços Ferreira last month as they extended on their Conference League adventure, Tottenham should be smelling a chance here.

Team News

Involved in that South American controversy last weekend, the duo of Giovani Lo Celso and summer arrival Cristian Romero will miss out this weekend.

Likewise, in what could be a real blow for Tottenham, attacking talisman Son Heung-min missed South Korea’s World Cup qualifier against Lebanon this week, making him a doubt for this game.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Saturday’s opponents last faced off back in March, Tottenham picked up a thumping 4-1 win on home soil.
• Opening the 2021/22 campaign with three wins on the bounce, Spurs are the only Premier League side who can boast a 100% record.
• Likewise, Tottenham are also yet to concede a domestic goal so far this season.
• Despite a 2-2 draw against West Ham last time out, Crystal Palace have failed to win any of their four competitive matchups so far.
• Continuing on from last season, the Eagles have managed to win just a pair of their last nine Premier League contests at Selhurst Park.

Conclusion

While Crystal Palace might have managed to head into September’s international break with a hard-fought 2-2 draw at West Ham, the Eagles could face a stern test here. Yet to pick up a competitive win since appointing new boss Patrick Vieira over the summer, Tottenham should be smelling a chance here. Enjoying what has been a hugely impressive start to the 2021/22 campaign, a run highlighted by a 1-0 opening weekend win against Manchester City, Spurs are now the only side who can boast a 100% start to the new season. Landing themselves a 4-1 win when the two sides last faced off back in March, we’re backing a similar away victory for Tottenham here.

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 10/11

Bookmaker: Unibet