Sports Mole

Both at risk of a third successive Premier League loss, London rivals Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur do battle at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Eagles come into the festive gameweek with a four-point advantage over the Lilywhites in the Premier League table, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

CRYSTAL PALACE vs. TOTTENHAM

CRYSTAL PALACE

Out: Ismaila Sarr (AFCON), Daniel Munoz (knee), Daichi Kamada (hamstring), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Chadi Riad (knee), Caleb Kporha (back)

Doubtful: Eddie Nketiah (knock), Chris Richards (foot)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Devenny; Mateta

TOTTENHAM

Out: Xavi Simons (suspended), Cristian Romero (suspended), Kota Takai (thigh), Dominic Solanke (ankle), James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Pape Sarr (AFCON), Yves Bissouma (AFCON)

Doubtful: None

Tottenham Hotspur are aiming to secure a critical contract extension that would top 'any new transfer', according to a report.

The Lilywhites have experienced a dramatic downturn in fortunes under Thomas Frank of late and come into their Sunday derby with Crystal Palace in a lowly 14th place in the Premier League rankings.

The Dane has not been helped by injuries all season long - especially to creative chiefs such as James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski - but it was his side's indiscipline that cost them in their 2-1 loss to Liverpool.

Xavi Simons's terrible tackle on Virgil van Dijk triggered a straight red card and three-game suspension for the Dutchman, before Cristian Romero received a second yellow for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate.

Frank will therefore have to find a new partner for defensive stalwart Micky van de Ven, who should be joined at the back by one of Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies or Kota Takai at Selhurst Park.

Tottenham working on new Micky van de Ven contract?

© Imago

In spite of Spurs' collective struggles, Van de Ven has stood out as one of the Lilywhites' best performers at both ends of the pitch this term, registering six goals in 23 appearances for the Europa League winners.

The 24-year-old's contributions include a phenomenal solo goal against Copenhagen in the Champions League, and he has also worn the captain's armband on six occasions for the Lilywhites this term.

Now, The Athletic claim that Spurs hope to tie Van de Ven down to a new-and-improved long-term contract, which should bring the Netherlands international in line with some of the club's highest earners.

According to football salaries website Capology, Van de Ven is on a £90,000-a-week wage at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, making him just the club's joint ninth-highest earner and £105k worse off per week than Romero, the highest-paid player in the squad.

Tying Van de Ven down to a contract extension would be 'more important' than any signing Spurs could make - the report adds - although he still has three-and-a-half years left on his current deal in North London.

Van de Ven signed a six-year contract upon his arrival at Spurs in 2023 and has now come up with nine goals and two assists in 74 matches for the North London outfit, whom he played a key role for in the knockout rounds of the 2024-25 Europa League.

What other new contracts should Tottenham be working on?

© Imago

Van de Ven's proposed new deal is not one fashioned out of fear of a potential exit - more to recognise the Dutchman's status as one of Spurs' best players this season and ensure his pay packet reflects his importance to the squad.

The Lilywhites have few genuine concerns when it comes to expiring contracts; Ben Davies and Yves Bissouma will become free agents in the summer but are expected to leave, while an extension for Richarlison beyond 2027 is not a priority.

Instead, Tottenham could turn their attention towards Van de Ven's fellow defensive stalwarts Pedro Porro and Guglielmo Vicario - who are out of contract in 2028 - as well as Maddison and Kulusevski, if the pair can return to top form after their injuries.

Tottenham Hotspur duo Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero will both sit on the Selhurst Park naughty step during Sunday's Premier League London derby against Crystal Palace.

The Dutch playmaker and Argentine defender were both dismissed in last weekend's 2-1 reverse to Liverpool, the former for a serious foul on Virgil van Dijk and the latter for two bookable offences.

Romero is set to serve a one-match ban, which could be extended following a recent FA charge, while Simons begins a three-game suspension for his offence.

Kevin Danso and the recently-recovered Radu Dragusin are both like-for-like alternatives to Romero, and the former is almost certain to be given the nod in an otherwise unaltered backline for the visitors.

Thomas Frank has seemingly settled on a Rodrigo Bentancur-Archie Gray midfield partnership of late, and there is nothing to suggest that the pair will lose their places here, in spite of Joao Palhinha's presence.

However, Frank will be forced into an attacking alteration due to Simons's suspension, which opens the door for one of Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Brennan Johnson or Wilson Odobert to make an appearance.

Richarlison came off the bench to score Tottenham's consolation vs. Liverpool, and the Brazilian should be first in line to return to the XI, in a switch that would see Randal Kolo Muani move over to the left.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Bentancur; Kudus, Bergvall, Kolo Muani; Richarlison

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has not ruled Chris Richards out of Sunday's Premier League clash with London derby rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park.

The American defender appeared to sustain a serious injury on Tuesday night, when he was stretchered off the field during the penalty-shootout loss to Arsenal in the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

However, Glasner revealed that Richards had simply suffered a cut to his foot which needed stitches, and there is a chance that he will be able to reprise his role in defence for the derby.

The New Year's Day clash with Fulham is a more likely comeback date, though, so Jaydee Canvot should anticipate a rare Premier League start alongside Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix in defence.

Cup goalkeeper Walter Benitez saved Palace's skin during the 90 minutes against Arsenal, but recognised number one Dean Henderson is sure to return for the visit of the Europa League winners.

Canvot moving into a centre-back should see Nathaniel Clyne return at right wing-back - Daniel Munoz is still injured - while Will Hughes may demote Jefferson Lerma down to the bench too.

Eddie Nketiah's participation is in some doubt due to a knock, so Justin Devenny may be rewarded for his recent feats with a start alongside Yeremy Pino and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The latter played the full 90 in midweek despite lingering concerns over a knee problem, but Christantus Uche is waiting in the wings if need be.

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:

Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Devenny; Mateta

Two out-of-sorts London rivals aiming to avoid three straight Premier League defeats collide at Selhurst Park on Sunday, when Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur go head-to-head.

The Eagles are reeling from an EFL Cup penalty-shootout loss to Arsenal, while the Lilywhites and their nine men were edged out 2-1 by Liverpool in their most recent outing.

Match preview

Oliver Glasner's Eagles experienced the highest of knockout highs last season, hoisting the famous FA Cup trophy aloft in the Wembley sunshine, but they were recently denied a swift return to the home of English football in gut-wrenching fashion.

A fatigued and absentee-hit Palace crop earned their stars by holding Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in normal time on Tuesday night, but own-goal scorer Maxence Lacroix capped off a disastrous evening by missing the decisive penalty in the Emirates shootout.

However, with one avenue to silverware closed off, Palace can focus more of their resources on arresting their Premier League slump, having dropped out of the European places in the top-flight rankings owing to back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and Leeds United.

Glasner's men scored just one goal and conceded seven during those grim 180 minutes of football, and the hosts' winless run in all competitions now stands at four matches, during which time their defence has been breached on a worrying 10 occasions.

The FA Cup holders tend to thrive when New Year's Eve comes into view, though, as they won their final league game in all of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 - never before have they won their last match of a calendar year in five successive years.

Not since 2018 have visitors Spurs been slain in their last game before January 1, but the Lilywhites faithful may travel across the capital in hope rather than expectation following recent catastrophic events.

Liverpool scored the same amount of goals as Thomas Frank's men received red cards last weekend, when the champions condemned the Lilywhites to a fourth loss from six top-flight games, triggering heightened speculation over the manager's future.

A portion of fans are already becoming disillusioned with the Dane - who has just lost a key member of his coaching team - but he retains the backing of the hierarchy for the time being as he seeks to steer 14th-placed Spurs back into European contention.

That will be easier said than done for a Tottenham side who have lost four and drawn one of their last five away matches, though, and the Lilywhites have also conceded a staggering 18 goals during that sequence - an average of one every 25 minutes or so.

The Europa League holders also suffered back-to-back losses to Palace in the 2024-25 season - failing to find the back of the net once - and the visitors are now at risk of successive league defeats at Selhurst Park for the first time ever.

Crystal Palace Premier League form:

Crystal Palace form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Palace's fitness situation had seemingly taken another turn for the worse when Chris Richards sustained a freak foot injury against Arsenal, but the stitched-up American may still be in with a chance of making an appearance this weekend.

The same goes for Eddie Nketiah, who suffered a knock against his old club, but Ismaila Sarr (AFCON), Daniel Munoz (knee), Daichi Kamada (hamstring), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Chadi Riad (knee) and Caleb Kporha (back) are definitely missing.

Jean-Philippe Mateta has also been managing a knee injury for a while, but the Frenchman nevertheless played the full 90 in midweek and should reprise his role against Spurs, whom he scored the only goal against in this fixture last term.

Speaking of Tottenham, Xavi Simons begins his three-game ban for serious foul play against Liverpool, while Cristian Romero is suspended for one game for now but may receive additional punishment owing to a recent FA charge.

Kevin Danso ought to be a straight swap for Romero in the backline, while Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson will all battle to step in for Simons, but the former should get the nod after scoring Tottenham's consolation off the bench last weekend.

There has been no change to the visitors' injury situation, meaning that Kota Takai (thigh), Dominic Solanke (ankle), James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee) and Destiny Udogie (thigh) are all absent, in addition to Africa Cup of Nations duo Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma.

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:

Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Pino, Devenny; Mateta

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Bentancur; Kudus, Bergvall, Kolo Muani; Richarlison

We say: Crystal Palace 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Both Palace and Spurs arguably did themselves proud in their recent losses; the Eagles defied their jellied legs and absentees to give Arsenal a brilliant run for their money, and even a nine-man Tottenham handed Liverpool a few scares last time out.

Frank's side may have lost the influential Romero and Simons, but Palace's backline has looked increasingly vulnerable in recent weeks, so a high-scoring derby stalemate is not beyond the realm of possibility.

Arne Slot has been fortunate that Liverpool's performances have been rewarded with wins, but he will face pressure once the team's luck turns, Reds expert David Lynch has claimed.

The Merseysiders left London with three points last weekend, but their 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur did not inspire confidence, especially considering Spurs often looked like the more threatening team despite playing with 10 men after Xavi Simons's first-half red card.

Liverpool have looked to use a more defensive approach in recent weeks, and that has coincided with poor attacking displays, with the club only producing 5.8 xG from open play in their last six games.

Lynch insisted that Liverpool have experienced significant amounts of luck, and if that luck runs out, the team's current playstyle will not be tolerated, telling Sports Mole: "Where pressure will come is when the results start to turn, and they turn up playing like this.

"The penalty at Inter, the red cards at Tottenham which were crucial in that game - those things are falling for them at the moment. When that stops happening, can you use this playstyle as a basis to keep the results coming? Is this sustainable? I would argue not.

"You're playing a brand of football that is not very good to watch, but the poor performances are being accepted because of the results. Once the results dry up, you are going to have very few supporters, so that would be the worry for Slot."

Spurs were reduced to nine men late on when Cristian Romero needlessly picked up a second yellow, but Liverpool struggled to escape their own penalty area despite boasting the advantage of two extra players.

What positives can Liverpool take after Tottenham Hotspur win?

Though the Reds were not at their best against Spurs, that match extended their unbeaten streak to six games, and it was also their fourth victory in that time.

Liverpool had been beaten in nine of their prior 12 games, and the current period of results have somewhat eased the immediate pressure on Slot.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch was keen to reiterate that winning games is still ultimately the most important thing in the race for top four, saying: "If Slot keeps the results coming, if Liverpool end in the top four, if they go on a march, then you'd have to say fair play.

"The manager will be thinking that if confidence rebuilds by being more solid and picking up wins, then this is the way they can move forward and eventually let the shackles off.

"It's very hard to have the answers about which way this is going to go. It's very similar to the start of the season when you saw the results were great, but the performances weren't."

Liverpool won their first five Premier League games of the season, but the results masked the team's poor performances, so fans will hope that the Reds' current undefeated streak is not a false dawn.

Could Florian Wirtz save Arne Slot's job?

Despite Liverpool's struggles against Spurs, playmaker Florian Wirtz managed to register an assist for Alexander Isak's goal, and his performance was one of the few positives from the clash.

The German's form has trended upwards in recent weeks, and if he continues on his trajectory, there is hope that he can lead the club towards the Champions League places.

Lynch was keen to praise Wirtz's growing influence, when he told Sports Mole: "That assist had been coming because he has been more influential, and Liverpool are getting better at knowing where he wants the ball.

"I've been really encouraged by his recent performances, and you've known since the first few games that it's going to take him a while to settle, but we're starting to see the start of that process now.

"If he continues to grow and build then he can make Liverpool play better all on his own, and he's one that Slot will be hanging his hat on. The ultimate idea with him is that he's going to be the jewel in the crown of this team for the next few years."

If Wirtz can consistently contribute in the final third, then there is every chance that Liverpool's unbeaten streak will be extended.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received 'initial contact' over a deal for number one goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario next summer.

The Italy international has experienced high highs and low lows in the 2025-26 season, earning plaudits for his exceptional displays against the likes of Monaco in the Champions League and Chelsea in the Premier League.

However, Vicario has also come in for heavy criticism at certain points of the campaign, most notably from Jamie Carragher after the Lilywhites' 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

With the score at 0-0, Vicario passed the ball out to an under-pressure Archie Gray, who was subsequently robbed of possession by Ibrahim Sangare before Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the opening goal.

Vicario immediately threw his arms out at Gray in frustration - an action that did not go down well with Carragher, who accused the former Empoli man of always trying to shift the blame onto one of his teammates.

The 29-year-old nevertheless remains Thomas Frank's undisputed first-choice shot-stopper, but for how long he will continue in North London is another matter entirely.

Inter Milan make 'initial contact' over Guglielmo Vicario transfer

According to Sky Italia - via Calciomercato - Serie A giants Inter Milan have now made contact over a move for Vicario in 2026 as they plan for life without the veteran Yann Sommer.

Thirty-seven-year-old Sommer has been recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe during his stint with the Nerazzurri, whom he has helped reach two Champions League finals, but the Switzerland international is out of contract in June.

Inter are reportedly planning to instil a new number one for 2026-27 and have now touched base to enquire about a move for Vicario, who would supposedly be open to returning to his homeland amid a troubled year with Tottenham.

However, the outlet adds that negotiations to bring Vicario back to Serie A will be 'anything but simple', as Vicario still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his contract with Tottenham, who will fight tooth and nail to keep him.

The Europa League holders are also well-placed to demand a profit on the £16.1m they paid Empoli for Vicario in 2023, since when the 29-year-old has registered 25 clean sheets in 98 appearances for the North London club in all competitions.

Vicario has recorded nine shut-outs in 24 matches during the 2025-26 season, a statistic that is supposedly 'making the difference' for Inter's 'increasingly close courtship' of the goalkeeper.

Which other players could leave Tottenham in 2026?

Vicario is one of two Spurs players to be heavily linked with a move to Serie A in 2026, as Radu Dragusin's agent recently talked up the prospect of a transfer to one specific Italian club if his client struggles for minutes next year.

Long-serving defender Ben Davies is also out of contract in 2026 and is likely to depart as a free agent, and the same goes for Yves Bissouma, who is yet to make a single appearance under Frank.

Tottenham Hotspur will hope to avoid a third consecutive Premier League defeat when they travel to play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Spurs come into the clash in 14th place with just 22 points after 17 matchweeks, and the club's poor form has fuelled scrutiny on boss Thomas Frank.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their contest against Palace.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

Maddison has been sidelined since sustaining an ACL injury in August, and the Englishman is targeting a return to action during next year's pre-season.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: Unknown

Solanke underwent ankle surgery at the end of September, and though he was reportedly close to a return, Frank has been vague about when the striker could make his comeback, though he has ruled him out of Sunday's match.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Kulusevski is still recovering from a knee injury that he picked up towards the end of last season, and a return date for the attacker is unclear at this stage.

Yves Bissouma

Status: Out

Reason: AFCON

Possible return date: Unknown

Yves Bissouma may not have played anyway, but he has been ruled out due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Mali.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Brentford)

Udogie picked up a hamstring injury towards the end of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle on December 2, and the defender will not be back until the start of 2026.

Kota Takai

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Takai is yet to make an appearance for Tottenham since joining in the summer due to a thigh injury, and though the defender featured recently for the Under-21s, he is still making his way through his fitness journey.

Pape Sarr

Status: Out

Reason: AFCON

Possible return date: Unknown

Tottenham are currently without the services of Sarr due to the midfielder's involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Xavi Simons

Status: Ruled out

Possible return date: January 7 (vs. Bournemouth)

Xavi Simons received a straight red card against Liverpool last weekend for a reckless foul on Virgil van Dijk, and he will miss the next three games.

Cristian Romero

Status: Ruled out

Possible return date: January 1 (vs. Brentford)

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly handed Thomas Frank a £150m transfer kitty for the January window.

Frank's transition from Brentford to Spurs has been far from straightforward, with the Danish manager finding the leap a challenge, highlighted by mixed results and the club's position in the Premier League table: 14th.

Although the Lilywhites are just seven points from entering the top four, losing five of their nine fixtures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has not endeared the Dane to the club's supporters.

Despite the current antipathy, the former Brentford boss could get his squad bolstered ahead of the January window as Spurs aim to climb the table.

Spurs transfer news: Frank's 'primary targets' identified

According to The Sun, Frank is understood to be desperate to land a high-quality left winger after a failed pursuit of Manchester City star Savinho during the summer months.

While Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo remains at the top of the club's wish-list, the Ghana international is also being tracked by several other Big Six rivals, with Manchester City favoured to land the in-form attacker.

A potential move for Savinho may depend on whether the Premier League champions successfully secure Semenyo as a replacement in the coming weeks.

The report further suggests that the recruitment team is also prioritising a move for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa to provide much-needed competition for the returning Dominic Solanke.

Spurs transfer news: Frank's other areas of concern revealed

The report subsequently highlights the need for immediate reinforcements due to a mounting injury crisis within the team's backline.

Destiny Udogie has already missed 11 matches this season with a persistent hamstring problem, leaving the squad without a specialist left-back.

This lack of depth has forced Frank to utilise Djed Spence out of position, leading to concerns regarding the balance of the defensive unit.

Securing a left-sided centre-back who can also cover on the flank is also now considered essential for the second half of the season.

Looking to stabilise after a rough spell, Crystal Palace will welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Selhurst Park for a Premier League showdown on Sunday.

Oliver Glasner's side were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Arsenal on Tuesday, and the Eagles will be hoping that the top flight can provide some respite.

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank's Lilywhites showed a lack of discipline during their 2-1 loss against Liverpool last Saturday, and the boss is sure to demand a response this weekend.

Here, Sports Mole provides all the details you need to know about how to watch Sunday's Premier League clash between Palace and Spurs.

What time does Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur kick off?

This match will kick off at 4:30pm on Sunday, December 28 for viewers in the UK.

Where is Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur being played?

Spurs will travel across the capital to Selhurst Park, the 25,486-capacity ground that Palace have called home since 1924.

The stadium is to be expanded to seat more spectators, with construction starting in January.

How to watch Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur in the UK

TV channels

This match will be broadcast live on the Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event TV channels.

Streaming

Fans can stream the clash live via Sky Go or the Sky Sports+ app.

Viewers can also catch the action through NOW UK if they have purchased the Sky Sports package on the platform.

Highlights

Game-changing moments such as goals may be posted to the SkySportsPL X (formerly Twitter) account, while the Sky Sports app will have highlights shortly after full time.

Highlights will also be uploaded to the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel later in the day.

Who will win Crystal Palace vs. Tottenham Hotspur?

Palace have enjoyed a largely positive season in 2025-26, but the past couple of weeks have seen the club stumble across all competitions.

Glasner opted to rest players in a key Conference League game, only to see his team draw 2-2 with KuPS, miss out on automatic progression to the round of 16, and still go on to lose the following two domestic outings.

As for Tottenham, they appeared to be turning a corner after starting December with two wins and a draw, but they also come into this game on the back of frustrating defeats.