Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur - Preview and possible lineups

Crystal Palace: The hosts come into this encounter without a win in six games, sitting in 14th position in the league standings .However their last home showing will give them some much needed encouragement for this match, as they managed to hold high flying Arsenal to a draw.

One major concern for boss Roy Hodgson will be the potential absence of talisman Wilfried Zaha, who is a doubt for this match with a thigh injury, and will undergo a late fitness test before the visit of Tottenham. 

The 'Eagles' will once again have to make do without the long-term absentees of defenders Ward and Dann, as well as strikers Benteke and Wickham, as Roy Hodgson will have to rely on the same starting XI that produced a great showing against Arsenal two weeks ago. 

Palace will be seeking a first home win of the campaign when Tottenham arrive at Selhurst Park; and after breaking their home scoring duck last time out, Hodgson's side will have have no mental obstacles holding them back when Pochettino's side come to visit on Saturday. 

Tottenham Hotspur: In contrast to their would-be hosts form, Tottenham come into this encounter on a run of five wins in their last six league games.

Pochettino's side recorded a resilient 3-2 win away at Molineux last week, and will feel prepared to face a similarly studry opposition when they travel the short distance across London to face Palace on Saturday afternoon. 

'Spurs' have an every growing injury list; starters Vertonghen, Dembele and Rose are all sidelined for considerable time with respective hamstring, ankle and groin injuries. However boss Pochettino will be confident that his squad can more than make do in their absence, and continue their good form.

After impressing in his side's return European fixture against PSV Eindhoven in midweek; Harry Kane will look to be the Tottenham trailblazer once more on Saturday, as he eyes another Premier League golden boot trophy at the end of the campaign. 

Hodgson on selection, attacking options, and 'Spurs' : 

"We haven’t recovered any injured players but then we haven’t lost anybody either at this moment in time. We have Benteke injured but he'll soon be back. We have [Alexander] Sørloth, we have [Jordan] Ayew, we have Wilf [Zaha], and we have Andros Townsend so we have forwards at the club. "

""I can't in any way criticise or complain about what the players are trying to do either in training or in matches and I'm sure that they [goals] will come when the ball goes in for us. But, as I say, we've scored three in the last two games against Arsenal and Chelsea away."

“In the last two games I’ve seen that, so we have to keep going, knowing full well once again (that) the opposition in front of us in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur is going to be a very difficult one because of the quality of their players.”

Pochettino on fixture pile ups and 'Spurs' injury list: 

"It was a tough game against PSV in the Champions League. Then they are going to move to the national team I think. It will be tough to play two games. That is why we need to take care and send them really fresh. That is why we are thinking if they are going to play or not against Palace."

"It is true if you said to me would you prefer all my international players stay here and rest for two weeks without competition, I would say yes. But that is impossible."

 "It is play, play, then move them there and play again. If you see our schedule for the next few months it will be so tough."

Form:

Did you know?

Just one of the last 26 goals scored between Palace and Tottenham has come in the first half of a game. 

Tottenham hold the head to head advantage over hosts Palace; with 25 wins to the 'Eagles' 8, while the clubs have also played out 11 draws in the English top flight.

'Spurs' completed a league double over Palace last season; claiming a 1-0 win both at home and away at Selhurst Park, the venue for this weekend's encounter. 

Palace have lost their last six Premier League games against Tottenham, scoring just one goal across those matches. 

Possible lineups:

Crystal Palace: Hennessey; Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, Van Aanholt, Townsend, Kouyate, Milivoevic, McArthur, Zaha, Ayew.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Trippier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Davies, Dier, Wanyama, Lucas, Eriksen, Son, Kane.