Merson and Sutton disagree over Spurs vs Crystal Palace predictions

A look at the pundit predictions for the all-London clash between Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

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Tottenham and Crystal Palace face off on Thursday night in an all-London clash between two sides who are desperate for a slice of consistency. Spurs can’t buy a win at the moment, and Igor Tudor will be desperate for the first win of his tenure, especially with his side just four points above the drop zone.

Palace are navigating a sticky situation of their own, even if they are just five or six points away from safety and very likely to get there. The relationship between Oliver Glasner and the fans looks to have soured, and there is suddenly a dysfunctional feel about the club.

The Eagles will try to shake that against Spurs, and ahead of Thursday night’s clash, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.

Paul Merson

“Tottenham's home record is wretched - Wolves are the only top-flight team to have picked up fewer points than them on their own turf so far. The atmosphere there has been toxic all season anyway, and we are into territory where, if Tudor loses this, things could get even worse.

“I am not sure about Crystal Palace either, mind you. After a difficult few weeks, they actually looked good against Manchester United on Sunday but they will miss the suspended Maxence Lacroix here, who is important for them at the back.

“It would be against the odds, but I am going to back Spurs here. Their last league win came against Palace, at the end of 2025 - maybe they will get their first league win of 2026 against the same opposition. Prediction: 2-1.”

Chris Sutton

“I would have said Tottenham, but I saw Crystal Palace's last few games and I think if they start well and get a goal early in this game, that will be it! I just can't put my name against Tottenham. I don't see how they can win this football match. Spurs will not get relegated because they have decent fixtures coming up. But I'm not sure they can start winning games straightaway.

“Forest and West Ham can sit back and try to get draws in their games. But because Tottenham are Tottenham, they are a big club and they have to go for the win in games. I have a feeling that this could play into Palace's hands here.

“Palace went to Old Trafford and took the lead in that game. Ismaila Sarr and Brennan Johnson can hurt Spurs down the wings. It will be unbelievable if Tottenham lost this game. And it feels like we might just witness it! Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Crystal Palace.”