Chris Sutton predicts Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace

ottenham Hotspur have traditionally prioritized Premier League success above all else, but with just three matches remaining and a Europa League final looming, the focus has clearly shifted. This weekend’s clash against Crystal Palace, which would typically carry weight as a London derby, now feels more like a warm-up fixture.

Currently sitting 12th in the league, Palace have little left to play for, with a top-ten finish now a distant prospect. Meanwhile, for Spurs, the remaining league games have lost their significance in the context of their domestic struggles. With Champions League qualification only attainable through a Europa League triumph, the emphasis will now be on keeping key players fit, giving minutes to squad players, and fine-tuning tactics ahead of the final against Manchester United.

Chris Sutton predicts the London derby

Chris Sutton opined that Sunday’s all-London fixture is nothing more than a distraction for both teams, particularly when looking at Spurs who are dealing with multiple injuries. Sutton believes Tottenham are worried about the Europa League final and Crystal Palace are gearing up for the FA Cup final.

The Pundit believes if manager Oliver Glasner puts out a strong team, Palace will win and suggested Palace is stuck in 12th and has nothing to play for. With Spurs missing valuable players like James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall, Sutton suggested a draw is the most likely outcome owing to uncertainty over the team selection.

The Football Pundit writing for BBC, made his matchday 36 predictions

“Spurs are still having a stinker of a time with injuries, with James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall both set to miss the rest of the season, and that situation hardly helps Ange Postecoglou with the side he picks.”

“It is hard to make a call without knowing who will play but, all things considered, the most likely outcome is probably a draw.”

The lack of significance in the upcoming clash against Crystal Palace is a fair point, and it would be surprising if Ange Postecoglou opted to field a full-strength lineup given the looming Europa League final. This could raise concerns about Tottenham’s ability to perform, especially considering their inconsistent league form.

However, there is a silver lining. The match presents a prime opportunity for players like Wilson Odobert and Kevin Danso to step up and make a statement. Both have received praise from Spurs supporters for their promising displays, and with the pressure relatively low, they could be given another chance to showcase their talents.