Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 05.03.2026
One of the matches of Premier League round 29 will take place in London at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Tottenham will host Crystal Palace in another heated capital derby. The Spurs are on the verge of setting a club anti-record for the longest winless streak in the Premier League, while the visitors are looking to steady the ship after an inconsistent run. I’m offering a prediction for the outcome in this clash, taking into account the tournament motivation of both sides.
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Match preview
Tottenham are experiencing one of their toughest spells in recent years. The 2-1 defeat to Fulham marked their tenth consecutive Premier League match without a win – their worst run since 1994. Igor Tudor’s side have lost four league games in a row and, in 2026, remain the only team in the Premier League yet to taste victory, sitting 16th in the table, just four points clear of the drop zone.
Yet, there are glimmers of hope in the Spurs’ play. Richarlison netted his eighth goal of the season against Fulham, while Mathys Tel injected much-needed energy off the bench. The problem, however, is a lack of balance across all lines, and an injury crisis – from Bentancur and Kulusevski to Maddison and Romero – has severely limited Tudor’s options.
Crystal Palace also come into the derby after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, a game turned on its head by a penalty and the sending off of Maxence Lacroix. Nevertheless, the Eagles have claimed three wins in their last six matches in all competitions, sit 14th in the league, and are no longer in immediate danger of dropping lower even if they slip up. Under Glasner, the team remains organized and dangerous in transitional phases.
Palace’s away record in London derbies is especially impressive – just one defeat in their last nine such matches on the road, and that came against leaders Arsenal. In December, Palace lost 1-0 to Spurs, but at the end of last season, they snatched a 2-0 victory at Tottenham’s ground. The loss of Lacroix to suspension will weaken the defense, but the Eagles’ structure is robust enough to compensate for individual absences.
Probable lineups
- Tottenham: Vicario; Danso, Van de Ven, Dragusin; Porro, Sarr, Palhinha, Gray; Simons; Tel, Richarlison.
- Crystal Palace: Henderson; Cankot, Richards, Riad; Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; Sarr, Johnson; Strand Larsen.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Tottenham are winless in their last 10 Premier League matches – their worst run since 1994.
- Crystal Palace have lost just one of their last nine away London derbies in the Premier League.
- Tottenham’s last league win came against Crystal Palace (1-0) in December.
Prediction
Despite their disastrous run, Tottenham finally seem close to rock bottom. Home advantage, an aggressive start, and the Tel–Richarlison partnership could break down the visitors’ defense, especially with Lacroix absent. Palace will fight and will surely have their chances, but the psychological need for a win may be decisive for the hosts.
