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Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

ES Composite

Arthur Ferridge

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Relegation-threatened Tottenham continue in their pursuit of a first league win of the year on Thursday as they face Crystal Palace.

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It is a third consecutive London derby for Igor Tudor, who has tasted defeat at the hands of both Arsenal and Fulham since signing on as Spurs’ interim boss.

He is yet to get his side into gear, and they now sit precariously close to the drop zone, just four points up the road from 18th-placed West Ham.

Palace, meanwhile, are not faring much better. They have slumped to 14th in the league - just six points ahead of Spurs - after giving up a one-goal lead to lose to Manchester United last time out.

They will hope to find form here, though, ahead of next week’s Conference League round of 16 meeting with AEK Larnaca.

Date, kick-off time and venue

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace is scheduled for an 8pm GMT kick-off on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The match will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.

Where to watch Tottenham vs Crystal Palace

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage starting at 7pm GMT ahead of an 8pm kick-off.

Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the ground.

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace team news

There are injuries abound for Spurs, making Tudor’s task all the more challenging.

He was handed his latest setback ahead of kick-off at Craven Cottage, as Djed Spence was left out of the squad due to a minor calf injury. It is not yet clear whether he will be passed fit to face Palace.

Race against time: Djed Spence is pushing to return from injury in time to face Crystal Palace

Getty Images

The remaining injuries in the squad are all long-term. Lucas Bergvall remains in recovery from a sprained ankle, expected to keep him out until next month, with Mohammed Kudus facing a similar timeline as he looks to recover from a hamstring problem.

Destiny Udogie, also sidelined with a hamstring problem, is being assessed on a week-by-week basis, according to Tudor, though he is not expected to make a comeback for at least another fortnight.

Dejan Kulusevski remains in a state of flux following last year’s knee surgery, while Wilson Odobert, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies and James Maddison are all set to be sidelined at least until the latter stages of this campaign.

Cristian Romero will see out his four-match suspension as his team-mates face Crystal Palace

REUTERS

Club captain Cristian Romero remains suspended after he was sent off during last month’s defeat by Manchester United, Thomas Frank’s penultimate match in charge of the side.

Oliver Glasner is also facing a suspension to a key defender due to a red card awarded in defeat by United. His will see Maxence Lacroix sidelined for one match after he was given his marching orders for a last-man foul on Matheus Cunha.

Elsewhere, Jean-Philippe Mateta is out with the same knee injury which saw his Deadline Day transfer to AC Milan fall through at the eleventh hour.

He is expected to play for Palace again before the end of the campaign, though, as he has decided against undergoing surgery.

Maxence Lacroix is suspended for Crystal Palace’s meeting with Tottenham

REUTERS

Jefferson Lerma is slowly closing in on a return from the thigh injury he sustained against Burnley last month, but the trip north of the river is expected to come too soon for him.

Similar is true of Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure, neither of whom are expected back until next month at the earliest.

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace prediction

It may be easy to write off Crystal Palace as they come into this match with just three wins in their last 18 matches - but do so at your own peril.

At Old Trafford last time out, Glasner’s side were more than equal to Michael Carrick’s resurgent and well-rested United, and could have been confident of taking home three points had they finished the match with a full complement on the pitch.

This ailing Tottenham side should not pose such stern opposition, and their disillusioned home fans will not be doing too much to egg them on, either.

A good opportunity presents itself, then, for Glasner’s men to build some real positive momentum ahead of making their debut in the knockout rounds of a European competition.

Crystal Palace to win, 3-1.

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Palace completed a first-ever league double over Spurs last season. but could not get the better of them at Selhurst Park earlier this season. Archie Gray was the only scorer in that match as Thomas Frank secured a rare victory.

Tottenham wins: 34

Crystal Palace wins: 12

Draws: 15

Archie Gray was the only scorer when Tottenham last faced Crystal Palace

Getty Images

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace match odds

Tottenham to win: 5/4

Crystal Palace to win: 7/4

Draw: 2/1

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

The reaction of Tottenham’s players at the end of their 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Sunday spoke perfectly to the mood around the club.

Spurs’ top goalscorer had come off the bench in the second half to give the north London club a lifeline they could not fully grasp, and there seemed an admittance from the 28-year-old that the severity of the club’s situation was now very much weighing on his mind.

For much of this season, relegation has felt improbable. Now there is no mistaking that Spurs are involved in a battle to beat the drop.

The Croat admits his side must improve in every aspect. With 10 league games to go, that is a worrying assessment. Forget a new manager bounce, Tudor is already speaking like someone on the warpath.

“Difficult moment, difficult situation, but only way is to come tomorrow on the training and try to do better, better things,” he added.

Tudor would not have been naive to the size of the job on his hands, but he has already acknowledged that it has been more difficult than he envisaged.

“We are lack when we attack, we are lacking of the quality to score the goal, we are lacking in the middle to run and we are lacking behind to stay there to suffer and not concede the goal. So, an amazing situation. Amazing,”

One of the most pertinent things Frank said during his ill-fated spell in charge was that it was as much a risk not to take risks in possession. Spurs’ players have not heeded their former manager's words of warning.

Against Fulham, Spurs managed just one shot on target. As much as they were open at the back, they were insipid with the ball. The safe pass, the hurried clearance into touch, the positional rigidity, it was a performance utterly devoid of inspiration.

Tudor has had time on the training ground, yet Spurs are still a team in the image of Frank. The direction of travel for this squad is troubling, and every game feels like a final.

With a four-point buffer to 18th-place West Ham, Spurs know that even a couple of results could drag them to safety. The fact is, though, with two wins in their last 19 league games, it's unclear where those wins will come from, and they could be reliant on results around them going their way, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest facing trickier run-ins.

Stand-in skipper did not step up on another big day

Captain: Micky van de Ven

Action Images via Reuters

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham’s winless start to life under Igor Tudor continued as they were beaten 2-1 by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Harry Wilson fired Fulham into an early lead before Alex Iwobi doubled the hosts’ lead just past the half-hour mark with a superb side-footed effort from the edge of the box.

Richarlison came off the bench to pull a goal back for Spurs as he headed home at the back post from Archie Gray’s cross, but Fulham held on to take all three points.

Sam Tabuteau rated the Spurs players at Craven Cottage...

Guglielmo Vicario 6

Nothing he could do for either goal, but did not inspire confidence for a new look defence with his distribution or handling. Saved well from Smith Rowe in the second-half.

Pedro Porro 7

Supported Spurs’ frontline well when he could, and was at times the only player offering any source of creativity in the first half. One of the few Spurs players who can be happy with their performance.

Micky van de Ven 5

Tudor needed Van de Ven to step up and lead from the back, but Fulham seized the early advantage. Spurs’ stand-in captain never looked settled as he rushed into a number of mis-timed challenges, and he was booked for a rash challenge on Jimenez in the second-half.

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Radu Dragusin 5

He had to be stronger up against Jimenez as Wilson fired Fulham ahead early on. Never looked in control, and he consistently struggled to make the right decision when asked to push up or drop off.

Archie Gray 6

Starting at left-back, he was heavily targeted by Fulham’s frontline and struggled as the hosts cruised into a two-goal lead. Improved after the break and crossed for Richarlison to head home after making a darting overlapping run.

Joao Palhinha 6

Endured a difficult afternoon on his return to Craven Cottage. The Portuguese midfielder was left chasing shadows as Fulham dominated in transition. As always, he got through plenty of defensive work, but again this was more a reaction to Fulham’s dominance rather than a reflection of his ability to take charge of the midfield battle.

Conor Gallagher 5

Gallagher felt like someone who would really benefit from the aggressive, high-intensity style Tudor wants to play, but it has been a difficult first couple of games for the English midfielder. Fulham had the measure of the midfield battle in the first-half and Tudor moved quickly to try and change the momentum by bringing Pape Matar Sarr on for Gallagher.

Yves Bissouma 6

Struggled to replicate the intensity that he showed off the ball against Arsenal, as Fulham cut through Spurs’ midfield with ease in the first-half. Replaced late on as Spurs chased an equaliser.

Xavi Simons 5

Could not get into the game as Spurs struggled to build any meaningful pressure in the final third and was taken off as part of an early triple change in the second-half. He did not take a single touch in the opposition box.

Randal Kolo Muani 6

A willing runner in the channels, but was marshalled well by Fulham’s defence, who were quick to shut down any shooting opportunities for the Frenchman. He was replaced early in the second half by Richarlison.

Dominic Solanke 5

Let Iwobi run off the back of him to score Fulham’s second. His decision-making in the final third lacked confidence, and his touch let him down on a few occasions.

Subs

Mathys Tel 7

Made a real difference off the bench, as he looked to get on the ball and drive at Fulham’s defence. Heavily involved in Richarlison’s goal and was a threat throughout as Spurs tried to salvage a draw.

Richarlison 7

Got Spurs back into the game with a cushioned header at the back-post. Always makes an impact as a substitute. Looked visibly upset at full-time, having done all he could to try and get Spurs back level.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Brought on to provide some energy in midfield, but could not turn the tide for Spurs as they fell to their 13th defeat of the season.

Souza N/A

Took just five touches, having been brought on to add some attacking impetus late on.

Kevin Danso N/A

Came on late on with Spurs looking for an equaliser. The fact that Tudor felt he had to bring on the Austrian centre-back as his side chased a goal says a lot about where Spurs’ squad are at right now.

Unused subs: Kinsky, Austin, Rowswell, Olusesi

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Spurs injury woes are easing, a bit

Djed Spence, Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Bergvall

London Standard

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham’s injury woes have eased, but not as much as they would have hoped after Djed Spence picked up a fresh problem.

While Micky van den Ven recovered with a minor injury to start, along with the returning Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso, fellow defender Spence was absent with a calf complaint.

Meanwhile, Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus are still some weeks away from returning, with others facing longer spells out.

Here’s all the latest Tottenham injury news and potential return dates...

Djed Spence

Djed Spence was ruled out of Tottenham’s trip to Fulham with a calf injury.

The versatile defender was absent from the matchday squad at Craven Cottage on Sunday, prompting fresh injury concerns.

Standard Sport understands that Spence is suffering what is considered a very minor calf injury.

It remains unclear when Spence will be able to return. Spurs are next in action at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday, March 5.

Potential return date: Unknown

Lucas Bergvall

Lucas Bergvall is sidelined with an ankle injury, picked up during the 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in January.

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The midfielder went under the knife and was ruled out for up to three months, which set his return for April.

Encouraging reports from Sweden last month indicated his recovery is progressing well, with Bergvall no longer wearing a protective boot.

There is an outside chance that Bergvall could feature in Sweden’s World Cup play-off against Ukraine at the end of March.

Potential return date: April

Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus is not expected to return from a hamstring until before April.

The influential midfielder suffered the injury in the 1–1 draw with Sunderland on January 4, and was subsequently ruled out for up to three months.

In February, it was reported that Kudus travelled to Amsterdam to see a specialist he knows from his time with Ajax to help with his recovery.

There has been no word on any setback, and it is thought to still be targeting a return to full training after the March international break.

Potential return date: April

Destiny Udogie suffered a hamstring injury against Manchester United

REUTERS

Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie is sidelined with a hamstring injury for at least another two weeks.

After picking up the injury against Manchester United on February 7, which did not require surgery, the left-back was ruled out for “the next four to five weeks”.

Asked for an update ahead of the trip to Fulham, new manager Igor Tudor was vague on both Udogie and Kulusevski.

“It's a weekly basis. When they come, they come,” he told reporters. “We need to be focused on the way, and also, how they come back into the team.

“Also, the main important thing is, in time, they are recovering to put them in good condition, so when they come back, they are in good shape. Otherwise, it's a problem.”

Potential return date: April

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski has been out since the end of last season with a patella injury.

Reports in Sweden earlier in February claimed Kulusevski is “nowhere near stepping out” on the pitch and, speaking just before he was sacked, Frank was unsure if the midfielder would play again this season.

Posting on Instagram in February, Kulusevski shared a video of himself in the gym at Hotspur Way going through an intensive set of single-legged squats with his injured right leg.

Igor Tudor worked with Kulusevski at Juventus, and hopes to work with him before the end of the season.

“Fantastic player, fantastic guy,” Tudor said last week. “He's had really big problems, as you know, here. But he's positive. And also the doctors are positive. So we'll see, next week, how it's going.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Wilson Odobert

Wilson Odobert suffered a serious knee injury against Newcastle in February, and Spurs confirmed he would have surgery.

Odobert is the latest long-term injury problem at Spurs, who said in a statement: “Wilson will see a specialist next week before undergoing surgery, and will then commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff. We're all behind you, Wilson.”

Spurs have not put a timescale on his return, but he will not be back until next season.

Potential return date: Late 2026

Wilson Odobert suffered a serious knee injury against Newcastle

Action Images via Reuters

Rodrigo Bentancur

Rodrigo Bentancur has been ruled out with a hamstring injury since a defeat to Bournemouth in January.

He quickly underwent surgery and was ruled out for three months.

The midfielder, who was an almost ever-present under Thomas Frank, is not expected back until April.

Potential return date: Mid-April

Ben Davies

Ben Davies is expected to have played his final game for Spurs after suffering a broken ankle during a 2-1 defeat to West Ham in January.

The left-sided defender has been at Spurs for 12 years, playing 448 games, but is out of contract at the end of the season.

Davies has undergone a second operation and is a doubt for the World Cup should Wales qualify.

Potential return date: June

James Maddison

James Maddison has been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle in South Korea.

He has recently been seen in training videos with the Spurs squad, but is not expected to return before the end of the season.

Potential return date: Summer 2026

MORE ABOUT

Djed Spence has been ruled out of Tottenham’s trip to Fulham with a calf injury.

Standard Sport understands that Spence has sustained a very minor calf issue, but it remains unclear when he will return to fitness.

Spence missed Spurs’ 2-2 draw with Manchester City and their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United last month with a calf injury.

He returned to the starting line-up for Thomas Frank’s final game in charge, as Spurs were beaten 2-1 by Newcastle, and also played the full 90 minutes of last weekend’s north London derby defeat.

Pedro Porro has returned from a hamstring injury to take Spence’s place in the starting line-up against Fulham, while Kevin Danso has returned from a toe injury and is named on the bench.

Spence adds to Spurs’ injury woes, with 10 first-team players now absent through injury and suspension.

Asked about Spurs’ injury issues, Tudor said he would rather keep his opinions to himself, having inherited a squad that he feels is physically “not in an amazing position.”

“Physically, I believe, we are not in an amazing situation,” Tudor said on Thursday.

“They have played lots of games in the last period without lots of players available and it meant the physical condition of the team has dropped down.

“We need to use this period where we don’t play the games to put some petrol in the engine so the engine starts to work better.”

Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven start for Tottenham against Fulham, but there is no Djed Spence.

Igor Tudor has had to get to grips with Spurs’ crippling injury list since taking charge of the club two weeks ago, and had just 13 senior players available to train ahead of last weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Arsenal.

Spurs, who are yet to win a league game in 2026, currently sit 16th in the Premier League table and are just four points above the bottom three.

With Porro back in the starting line-up, and Kevin Danso back on the bench, Tudor is close to naming a regular backline. For now, Archie Gray continues to deputise at left-back.

Van de Ven has been passed fit after a “small problem” with his little finger.

Spurs’ defence picks itself right now, with captain Cristian Romero still suspended, but Tudor had a decision to make up front with Dominic Solanke and Kolo Muani starting together.

Solanke was only fit enough for the bench against Arsenal, having struggled with a sore throat in the lead-up to the game.

Kolo Muani has the trust of Tudor, who got the French forward playing some of the best football of his career on loan at Juventus last season.

Full list of all London flights cancelled after US and Israel strikes on Iran

Full list of all London flights cancelled after US and Israel strikes