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Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly in contention to sign 26-year-old French winger Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad, but he will join Inter Milan soon.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, intermediaries have offered Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur the opportunity to sign Moussa Diaby from Al-Ittihad in the winter transfer window. However, the French winger is closing in on joining Inter Milan in the final days of the winter transfer window.

How has Moussa Diaby fared in the Saudi Pro League?

Moussa Diaby has been exceptional since joining Al-Ittihad from Aston Villa in a deal worth £50 million in July 2024. The move surprised many, as the Frenchman’s spell with the West Midlands outfit ended after only one season. However, the 26-year-old was exceptional in his debut season and has continued in that vein this term.

Diaby has scored three goals and provided 11 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions thus far in the 2025/26 season. Meanwhile, his progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs. Intermediaries offered the French winger to Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. However, he is closing in on joining Inter Milan this month.

What next?

Aston Villa scoured the market for a versatile attacker in the winter transfer window, as Unai Emery wants more firepower in the final third. Additionally, Evann Guessand is closing in on joining Crystal Palace, compelling the West Midlands outfit to dip into the market for a winger. So, Diaby was a player worth considering for Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur can also do with a player like Moussa Diaby, as they have yet to fill Son Heung-min’s void since the South Korean attacker moved to MLS. Several candidates, including Maghnes Akliouche, have thus emerged on Tottenham’s wishlist, and intermediaries offered Diaby to the North London club.

However, Aston Villa and Tottenham will fail to land Diaby, as he is closing in on joining Inter Milan. The Serie A giants have been keen on signing a wide attacker in the winter transfer window amid uncertainties surrounding Luis Henrique’s long-term future. So, the 26-year-old Frenchman has emerged as a target for the Nerazzurri.

Inter Milan will likely sign Diaby on loan with a purchase obligation clause worth £30 million. It will be interesting to see who Aston Villa and Tottenham identify to reinforce their offensive units in the final days of the winter transfer window.

AC Milan will reportedly compete with Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona in the race to sign 30-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka in a Bosman move this year.

According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Leon Goretzka is the subject of interest of AC Milan. The Serie A giants are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder and have set their sights on the Bayern Munich star. However, they will face stiff competition from Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur for the German international’s signature, although Igli Tare has launched the move.

How has Leon Goretzka fared at Bayern Munich so far?

Leon Goretzka has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Bayern Munich from FC Schalke 04 in July 2018. The experienced midfielder was among the world’s most promising young midfielders when he arrived at the Allianz Arena seven and a half years ago. However, the 30-year-old has been in and out of the starting lineup in recent seasons.

Goretzka has made nearly 300 appearances for Bayern Munich thus far while chipping in with 47 goals and 48 assists. However, the German midfielder’s long-term future is uncertain, as they have entered the final six months of his contract. The player’s stock remains high, with AC Milan, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.

A man in demand

AC Milan will dip into the market for a versatile midfielder in the summer transfer window, as Massimiliano Allegri wants more options in the middle of the park. Ruben Loftus-Cheek faces an uncertain future at San Siro, and he will likely leave this year. So, Goretzka has emerged as a viable target for AC Milan.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Leon Goretzka makes sense. The Lilywhites are keen on reinforcing their midfield unit this year, as it is unclear if Joao Palhinha will complete a permanent move to the North London club. Additionally, Yves Bissouma has no future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. So, Goretzka is an option worth considering.

As for Barcelona, Goretzka has been on the Catalan club’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is surprising, as Hansi Flick has a stacked midfield unit. While Marc Casado and Marc Bernal face an uncertain future at Camp Nou, it is unclear if Goretzka can become a first-choice starter for Barcelona.

Apart from AC Milan, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid will also attempt to seal a Bosman deal for the 30-year-old German international. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Bayern Munich midfielder.

Manchester City will not cash in on 26-year-old Egyptian international Omar Marmoush in the final week of the winter transfer window.

According to a report by Football Insider, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Omar Marmoush. The two Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a versatile attacker in the final week of the winter transfer window. So, the 26-year-old Manchester City forward emerged as a target for them.

However, the latest update has dealt a blow to Aston Villa and Tottenham, as Manchester City will not cash in on the Cairo native in the winter transfer window. With City only four points behind Arsenal after the results in Gameweek 23, they want to retain all of their resources in the second half of the 2025/26 season.

How has Omar Marmoush fared at Manchester City?

Omar Marmoush has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £59 million in January 2025. The 26-year-old arrived at the Etihad amid hype surrounding him after an excellent stint with the Bundesliga club, and he hit the ground running in the second half of the 2024/25 season.

However, Marmoush has struggled for regular involvement this term, managing only 483 minutes of game time in 17 appearances across all competitions thus far, chipping in with only two goals and one assist. Meanwhile, the Egyptian attacker’s stock remains high, with Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Omar Marmoush makes sense. The Lilywhites have been scouring the market for a versatile attacker, as they have yet to fill Son Heung-min’s void at the club. Additionally, Richarlison’s long-term future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is uncertain, and they have already sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace. So, Marmoush is a viable target for Tottenham.

As for Aston Villa, the Villans are keen on signing a versatile attacker who can initially slot anywhere in the offensive unit before succeeding Ollie Watkins as the first-choice striker. Marmoush fits the bill perfectly for Aston Villa, although they have also signed Tammy Abraham. However, the latest report has dealt a blow to his prospective suitors.

Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keen on signing 24-year-old German winger Kevin Schade from fellow Premier League club Brentford.

According to a report by Caught Offside, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Kevin Schade. The three Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their offensive units by signing a wide attacker this year. So, the 24-year-old Brentford winger has emerged as a target for them, with the West London club valuing him at €50-60 million.

How has Kevin Schade fared at Brentford?

Kevin Schade has established himself as one of the best young wingers in the Premier League since joining Brentford from SC Freiburg. The West London club initially signed the Potsdam native on loan in January 2023 before completing a permanent move in the subsequent summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old has made considerable progress in the last three years, becoming a mainstay in the final third for Brentford. The German international has been solid thus far in the 2025/26 season, chipping in with six goals and three assists in 21 Premier League outings. Meanwhile, Schade’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

A man in demand

Aston Villa will dip into the market for a versatile attacker in the two transfer windows this year, as Unai Emery wants more firepower in the final third. The Villans have been over-dependent on Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, and they have set their sights on several players, including Ferran Torres. However, Schade is also a viable target for Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Kevin Schade is understandable. The Lilywhites are scouring the market for a versatile wide attacker, as they have yet to fill Son Heung-min’s void since he moved to MLS. Several candidates have thus emerged on Tottenham’s wishlist, with Schade also a viable target.

As for Newcastle United, Anthony Elanga has failed to make his mark since joining the Tyneside outfit from Nottingham Forest. So, Eddie Howe wants more firepower in the final third, and Schade is an option worth considering. However, Brentford will not consider a sale in the winter transfer window.

While the Bees have slapped a price tag worth €50-60 million on Schade, they will only entertain offers for him in the summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 24-year-old German international.

Tottenham Hotspur will host Aston Villa in North London for the FA Cup third round on Saturday, looking to secure a win and progress to the next phase.

It has been a disappointing season for Tottenham so far, and they have not won in their last five matches across all competitions ahead of the FA Cup third-round clash vs Aston Villa this weekend. Spurs have struggled in the Premier League, and they will look to do well in the cup competitions now.

A club of their stature is expected to fight for trophies, and the FA Cup is their best opportunity to win silverware this season. It will be interesting to see whether Thomas Frank’s charges can step up their performance at home and grind out a victory here.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are in impressive form. The Villans are unbeaten in five of the last six matches in all competitions, and they are third in the Premier League table. They will look to do well in the cup competitions as well.

The away side will look to exploit Tottenham’s vulnerabilities and grind out a victory away from home. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics

Tottenham Hotspur

James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are unavailable due to long-term knee injuries. Dominic Solanke is sidelined with an ankle problem. Destiny Udogie is struggling with a knock.

Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Lucas Bergvall has an undisclosed injury, and Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur have a thigh problem.

Tottenham Hotspur will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Aston Villa, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal. Pedro Porro and Djed Spence will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out defensively and contribute in the final third as well. Meanwhile, Kevin Danso will start alongside Micky van de Ven in the central defensive partnership.

As for the midfield unit, Joao Palhinha will add defensive cover and physicality alongside Archie Gray. They will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park. Xavi Simons will start in the attacking midfield role and look to link the midfield to the attack.

Wilson Odobert and Richarlison will add pace, flair, and unpredictability from the flanks. Finally, Randal Kolo Muani will lead the line for Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa on Saturday.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Gray; Odobert, Simons, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Aston Villa

Tyrone Mings is out with a hamstring injury, while Ross Barkley is recovering from a knee issue. Amadou Onana has a thigh injury, and Evan Guessand is away on AFCON duty. Additionally, Emiliano Martinez will likely miss out due to a minor issue.

Aston Villa will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Tottenham Hotspur, with Marco Bizot in goal. Matty Cash and Lucas Digne will start as the full-backs. They will look to keep things tight at the back. Meanwhile, Ezri Konsa will start alongside Pau Torres at the heart of the defence.

As for the midfield unit, Boubacar Kamara and John McGinn will provide defensive cover and drive the midfield. Morgan Rogers will be deployed in the attacking midfield role, looking to link the midfield to the attack.

Donyell Malen and Emiliano Buendia will start on the flanks. They will look to create goalscoring opportunities and add unpredictability in the final third. Finally, Ollie Watkins will lead the line for Aston Villa vs Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, McGinn; Malen, Rogers, Buendia; Watkins

Key Stats

Aston Villa have picked up four wins from their last six matches against Tottenham. Spurs have lost two of their last three FA Cup ties against Aston Villa, going out against the Villans in the fourth round last season. The last team to eliminate Spurs from the FA Cup in consecutive seasons were Manchester United in 2007-08/2008-09.

Tottenham have picked up one win from their last six matches in all competitions.

Aston Villa have picked up four wins from their last six matches in all competitions.

Tottenham have progressed from 18 of their last 19 FA Cup third round ties, doing so in the 11 most recent campaigns since a 2-0 loss at Arsenal in 2013/14. Aston Villa have won their last two FA Cup third round ties, having been eliminated at this stage in the seven campaigns before this.

Player to Watch

Morgan Rogers

Embed from Getty Images

The Aston Villa playmaker is our key player to watch out for. The Englishman is in impressive form, and he will look to make a defining impact in the final third. Rogers will look to open up the Tottenham defence with his link-up and creativity. He will also look to score.

Meanwhile, Rogers has been involved in five goals in four appearances against Tottenham in all competitions (3 goals, 2 assists), scoring and assisting in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over the North London outfit in the FA Cup last season.

It will be interesting to see if Tottenham can keep him quiet. Given the English playmaker’s current form and confidence, they could struggle against him. Aston Villa will hope Rogers can create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well.

Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa

Both teams will be desperate for a victory here, and this is likely to be a close contest. Aston Villa are in impressive form, and they will fancy their chances away from home. Meanwhile, Tottenham are under pressure to bounce back strongly.

Both teams are likely to get on the score sheet here, and they will look to play for a victory. An open game is on the cards with Fairview chances. However, Tottenham have greater squad depth and should be able to grind out a narrow victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Thomas Frank and his charges.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing the Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita.

According to reports from Guglielmo Trupo, they are interested in the 23-year-old defensive midfielder, and they have sent scouts to watch him in action. It will be interesting to see if they follow it up with an official offer to get the deal done.

They could use more quality and depth in that area of the pitch, and the 23-year-old could be the ideal acquisition. He’s a young player with a lot of potential, and he could develop into a top-class player with the right guidance. Keita will be excited about the possibility of joining the Premier League. It would be a huge step up in his career, and he would get to test himself at the highest level.

Keita has been linked with West Ham in the past.

Tottenham are competing in the UEFA Champions League, and they managed to win the UEFA Europa League last season. The opportunity to join there will be exciting for any young player. Regular football in the Premier League could bring out the best in him. It remains to be seen whether Tottenham follows up on its scouting mission with an official offer to finalise the deal. They have the resources to sign the player, and they should be able to convince the 23-year-old to join as well.

Parma will not be keen on selling Keita

Parma will not want to lose a talented player like him, but they could be under pressure to sell if there is a proposal on the table.

It will be interesting to see what the Belgian decides. If he decides to force a move, the Italian outfit will be under pressure to accept an offer.

Tottenham are looking to build a formidable team for the future, and they need to improve the squad further. Signing a defensive midfielder would be ideal for them. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in the necessary additions in the coming ones and bounce back strongly. They have been quite mediocre this season, and they need to improve if they want to finish in the top four.

Bayern Munich have made an informal contact with Tottenham over the future of teenage defensive star Luka Vickovic, with the north Londoners uninterested in a sale.

According to Caught Offside, Bayern Munich have set their sights on Croatian teenager Luka Vi=uckovic and have made informal contact with Tottenham. The defender is currently on loan at Hamburger SV, but Spurs are unwilling to sanction a sale and are in a position of power over the teenager’s future.

Luka Viuskovic has caught the imagination of many teams in Germany following some composed performances while on loan at Hamburger SV. The teenager was signed by Tottenham last summer, but they chose to send him out on loan for the whole season to help him gain experience.

While not many expected him to be a main starter at Hamburger SV, the Croatian has started all of the 13 games he has been involved in so far. He missed only one at the start of his spell, when he had just arrived in the summer.

Teams like RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund were told by Tottenham that Vuckovic was not for sale following informal approaches sometime earlier. The same might be the case with Bayern Munich, who have made contact with the north Londoners over the highly-rated defender.

Bayern Munich are keen on Vuskovic, but Spurs have once again reiterated their stance that the player is not for sale. The Bavarians are always on the lookout for the best talents playing in the Bundesliga, and while the Croatian teenager is not technically there for the long haul, they might have considered bringing him on board, which is clear with their line of enquiry.

What are Tottenham’s plans for Luka Vuskovic?

While Spurs barely thought about Vuskovic’s rapid rise in this vein, they are extremely pleased with how their decision to loan him out has panned out. While they have ample cover in their team at the moment, the idea of bringing him back did emerge in reports, although it is not clear whether they intend to recall him.

For now, the highly-rated defender is widely expected to finish the season with Hamburger SV and continue his impressive vein of form for the Bundesliga side. Beyond that, Spurs view Vuskovic to stay put in north London next season, as his deal here until 2030 gives Tottenham immense power in determining his long-term future, as teams like Bayern Munich may have no chance of signing him at the moment.

Crystal Palace will reportedly look to sign 23-year-old Romanian international Radu Dragusin from Tottenham Hotspur in the winter transfer window.

According to an update by Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale, Radu Dragusin is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace. The Eagles are eager to bolster their defensive unit by signing a centre-back in the winter transfer window. So, the 23-year-old Tottenham centre-back has emerged as a target for the South London outfit.

However, the 2024/25 FA Cup are not alone in the race to sign the Bucharest native, as AS Roma, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli, and Nottingham Forest are also keen on landing him from Tottenham in the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, the Lilywhites are open to sanctioning a loan exit for Dragusin, provided it comes with a purchase option worth €30 million.

How has Radu Dragusin fared at Tottenham?

Radu Dragusin has hit a brick wall since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Genoa in a deal in €30 million worth January 2024. The young centre-back moved to the North London club rated as one of the best young prospects in Serie A. However, he has struggled to become a regular for the North London club. Additionally, a long-term knee injury kept the 23-year-old in the treatment room for most of 2025.

Dragusin has managed only 37 appearances thus far for Tottenham, amassing 2,604 minutes of game time. Meanwhile, the Romanian defender’s stock remains high, as several well-known clubs are keen on securing his services in the winter transfer window. Crystal Palace will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the coming weeks.

Move across the Premier League on the cards?

Crystal Palace’s interest in Radu Dragusin is understandable. The Eagles are scouring the market for a centre-back heading into the winter transfer window as they prepare for life after Marc Guehi. While the English international will leave after the 2025/26 season ends, Crystal Palace can do with more resources for the second half of the ongoing campaign.

Several candidates, including Youri Baas, have thus emerged on Crystal Palace’s radar, with Dragusin also a viable target. However, the 2024/25 FA Cup winners are not alone in the battle for the Tottenham defender’s signature.

Tottenham Hotspur will aim to learn Savinho’s stance over a possible move in the winter transfer window before approaching Manchester City with a bid.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Savinho is the subject of interest from Tottenham Hotspur. The Lilywhites are eager to bolster their offensive unit by signing a wide attacker in the winter transfer window. So, the 21-year-old Manchester City whizkid has emerged as a target again for the North London club.

Tottenham also wanted to sign the young winger in the summer transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise. So, to cover their tracks this time, the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League winners will ascertain the player’s stance on a possible January move before approaching Manchester City with a bid.

How has Savinho fared at Manchester City?

Savinho has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester City from Troyes in a deal worth €40 million in July 2024. The 21-year-old winger’s creative output was impressive in his debut season, as he scored three goals and provided 13 assists in 48 appearances last term. However, the youngster’s stock has fallen in the 2025/26 campaign.

The Brazilian winger has managed only 964 minutes of game time across 21 appearances in all competitions this term. Meanwhile, the player’s stock remains high, with Tottenham Hotspur among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Will Tottenham return with a bid in January?

Tottenham Hotspur’s continued interest in Savinho is understandable. The Lilywhites have been combing the market for a wide attacker after parting ways with Son Heung-min in the summer transfer window. Additionally, Richarlison faces an uncertain future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after enduring a topsy-turvy ride throughout his stint with the North London club.

Several candidates have thus emerged on Tottenham’s radar, with the North London club mulling over bids for Antoine Semenyo, Maghnes Akliouche, and Yan Diomande. However, moves for Akliouche and Diomande will not materialise in the winter transfer window, while Semenyo has picked Manchester City as his next destination.

Semenyo’s impending move has motivated Tottenham to pursue Savinho in the winter transfer window. However, the North London outfit will first ascertain the player’s stance on a possible January move before approaching Manchester City with a bid. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the 21-year-old Brazilian international.

Crystal Palace will host Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Sunday, looking to bounce back from their disappointing run of form.

Crystal Palace are without a win in the last four matches in all competitions, and they will be desperate to get back to winning ways in the game vs Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on Sunday evening.

The hosts have a good team and a quality manager, and the home fans will demand a strong reaction from the players. It will be interesting to see if Crystal Palace can bounce back strongly and pick up all three points. On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur are in poor form as well.

Spurs have picked up just one from their last six Premier League matches, and they have lost four times in that period. They are struggling with a lack of confidence and momentum. It remains to be seen whether they can bounce back here.

This will be a difficult outing for them away from home. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides, who will be desperate to clinch all three points.

Team News & Tactics

Crystal Palace

Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad have been ruled out due to their long-term knee injuries. Ismaila Sarr is at AFCON, and Daichi Kamada (hamstring) and Daniel Munoz (knee) are both out. Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner has been sweating over the fitness of Chris Richards and Eddie Nketiah, with the duo facing late fitness tests to determine their availability.

Crystal Palace will shape up in a 3-4-2-1 formation vs Tottenham Hotspur, with Dean Henderson taking his spot in goal. In the back three, Marc Guehi will start alongside Maxence Lacroix and Chris Richards.

Nathaniel Clyne and Tyrick Mitchell will feature as the wing-backs. They will look to protect the central defenders and hit the opposition on the break. As for the midfield unit, Will Hughes and Adam Wharton will add defensive cover and control in the middle of the park.

Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino will start as the attacking midfielders, and they will look to create opportunities for their teammates. Finally, Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the line for Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Guehi, Lacroix, Richards; Clyne, Hughes, Wharton, Mitchell; Nketiah, Pino; Mateta

Tottenham Hotspur

James Maddison and Yves Bissouma are unavailable due to long-term knee injuries. Dejan Kulusevski is also sidelined with a knee problem. Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie are struggling with knocks. Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr is away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons are suspended after being sent off against Liverpool last weekend.

Tottenham Hotspur will shape up in a 4-2-3-1 formation vs Crystal Palace, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal. Pedro Porro and Djed Spence will start as the full-backs. They will look to help out defensively and contribute in the final third as well. Meanwhile, Kevin Danso will start alongside Micky van de Ven at the heart of the defence.

As for the midfield unit, Joao Palhinha will add defensive cover and physicality to the side alongside Rodrigo Bentancur. They will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park. Lucas Bergvall will reprise the attacking midfield role, and he will look to link the midfield with the attack.

The Swede will look to open up opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net. Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison will add pace, flair, and unpredictability from the flanks. Finally, Randal Kolo Muani will lead the line for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace this weekend.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Bergvall, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Key Stats

Tottenham have conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven matches in the Premier League.

Tottenham have lost four of their last six Premier League matches.

Crystal Palace have lost three of their last six Premier League matches.

Crystal Palace did the Premier League double over Tottenham last season, as many victories as they’d managed in their previous 22 against Spurs (D3 L17). 15 goals have been scored in the last six matches between these two teams.

When facing opponents starting the day above them in the table, Tottenham have only won one of their last 19 London derbies away from home in the Premier League (D6 L12), with that lone victory coming against Brentford in February this year (2-0).

Player to Watch

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Embed from Getty Images

The Crystal Palace striker is our key player to watch out for, and he could make a big difference for the home team in the final third. The Frenchman will look to find the back of the net and create opportunities for his teammates.

Tottenham have looked vulnerable at the back in recent weeks, and the French attacker could cause all sorts of problems for them. Mateta’s ability to hold up the ball and bring others into the play could add a new dimension to the Crystal Palace attack.

Meanwhile, Mateta has scored 23 goals across his last 31 Premier League starts at Selhurst Park, while he scored the game’s only goal in the corresponding fixture last season: a 1-0 win for Crystal Palace in October 2024. Tottenham will need to keep him quiet if they want to get something out of this game.

Prediction

Crystal Palace 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

This will be a difficult game for Tottenham, and given their current form, they will need to raise their performance levels massively to get something out of this contest. Crystal Palace are struggling as well, and they will look to bounce back. This is a golden opportunity for them to set things right at home.

Tottenham are in poor form, and Crystal Palace have the quality to take advantage of their vulnerability. Both teams will be playing for a victory here, and this is likely to be a close game. However, Crystal Palace have the quality to pick up a narrow victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Oliver Glasner and his charges.