Match Preview: Spurs v Palace (a game we need to win if we want to challenge for a top 4 spot)
After our defeat against Wolves, I thought we had blown any chance of getting into the top four. But looking at the table, we’ve got a game over the other top four teams. Nevertheless, we must beat Palace and defeat Villa at their own ground to get a Champions League spot (or hope they slip up). I think the fight for fourth position is between us, Villa and maybe United. If we can’t manage a Champions League place, it is Europa League for us next season (which I believe we should achieve if a top-four spot goes wonky).
Following a rare fortnight with no football, we are finally back on track with an encounter against Crystal Palace in a capital derby.
Previously, we went down 2-1 to Wolves two weeks ago, while the Oliver Glasner era at Selhurst Park began with a 3-0 stampede of Burnley last weekend.
The reason there was no football last weekend was we had to endure watching (or not watching) Pochettino’s men get humiliated by the Bin-dippers (this was in the League Cup final).
Spurs Premier League form:
WDWDWL
Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):
DLWDWL
Crystal Palace Premier League form:
LWLLDW
Team News
We were dealt two crushing defensive blows before the loss to Wolves, as after Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie sat out an open training session at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, both missed the tie due to strain and knee issues respectively.
Udogie’s problem is expected to clear up in time for the London derby. However, a question mark is still hanging over Porro’s head, and fellow wide man Ryan Sessegnon could now miss the rest of the season after another cruel hamstring blow; the Englishman has undergone surgery after hurting himself in Under-21s action.
Fraser Forster (foot) and Manor Solomon (knee) welcome the luckless Sessegnon back into the treatment room, and Udogie’s expected recall should see Ben Davies drop back down to his usual place on the bench.
My predicted Spurs possible starting lineup:
Vicario; Royal, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Richarlison
Prediction
I say a 3-1 to us
Each of our last nine Premier League home matches has seen us fail to keep a clean sheet, and a re-energised Palace boosted by the anticipated return of Eze should be expected to prolong our miserable defensive streak on our patch. Nevertheless, the two-week recuperation period is just what the doctor ordered for a side who appeared a little leggy, and while it may not be pretty, I expect our free-scoring boys to return to conquering ways.
On this date (when we meet Palace, March 1st), we faced Southampton in an FA Cup tie (1995).
Ronny Rosenthal is best remembered for his quick-fire hat trick that turned our tie against Southampton on its head. We had found ourselves two goals down by halftime, but our manager Gerry Francis brought Rosenthal on, and the game changed completely. He scored twice to take the match to extra time, where Sheringham, Barmby, and Anderton scored to give us a 6-2 victory to complete an incredible comeback.
Ronny Rosenthal is often seen in the Premium Lounge. I’ve often chatted to him about his time at Spurs—he is a very nice man.
I was going to say there are other games to look out for, but only United have a challenging game this weekend (against City); the others should breeze through the weekend as they have lower opposition (strugglers, in fact).
Up the Spurs!
COYS!
Glenn
My name is Glenn Renshaw.
I am currently a Premium Season Ticket holder (West Stand) in the new stadium. Before that – at White Hart Lane – a season ticket holder in various parts of the ground (mainly in the North stand).
Before becoming a season ticket holder, I stood on the shelf and various other parts of the ground since the 1950s. In 1987 I became one of the first to hold a Spurs Membership card. I was also a life long member of the Spurs supporters club (now defunct).
I go to all home, away and abroad matches.
I was born in 1955, Edgware, London (it was in the late 50s – as a baby – that my dad took me to Spurs to initiate me). I currently live in Berkshire.
I also collect all Spurs books (and have everyone printed), Spurs handbooks (from 1920s onwards, Spurs programmes (since the 40s).
Previously, I wrote for Spurs Fanzines: The Spur, Spur of the Moment, My Eyes have seen the Glory and various other Spurs fanzines’. I also wrote for the SpursWeb app & its website.
I currently write and work for spursnetwork.com and its website. I write its Reviews & Match reports and a lot more.
My other interests are; reading, history, social history, Politics, going to the gym, wine, going out for a meal, music (all sorts), writing, theatre, concerts, going on holidays, socialising etc.
I have been writing blogs/ articles since 1989
If you wish to read more of my blog, please click “here”
