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Predicted Tottenham lineup to face Crystal Palace with suspensions forcing tweaks

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Dec 25, 2025 3:12 PM ET

Here is how Tottenham could line up against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur cross swords with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday evening.

The Lilywhites were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend. It was a controversial game defined by red cards and spirit. The red card to Xavi Simons in the 33rd minute changed the complexion of the game. Trailing 2-0 with a man down, Spurs did show spirit and character to come back into the game via Richarlison’s goal seven minutes from time, but skipper Cristian Romero’s stupid second yellow card deep in injury time allowed the Reds to cling onto the points.

Back-to-back defeats to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool has left Tottenham 14th in the table, putting Thomas Frank’s job under serious scrutiny. As a result, the Danish coach will be desperate to see a reaction from his boys against Crystal Palace, who despite their poor form of late will pose a stiff challenge on Sunday.

That said, here is how Tottenham could line up against the Eagles.

Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Crystal Palace

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario

For a change, Guglielmo Vicario was not surrounded by any controversy during and after the game against Liverpool. The Italian could’ve done better to save the first goal, but for the second, he was rooted to his spot.

Next up is Crystal Palace, and Vicario should be eyeing a clean sheet after conceding five goals in his last two league games.

Defence: Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence

Romero self-sabotaged his team by earning a second yellow card in stoppage time against Liverpool, meaning he is suspended for the trip to Selhurst Park. Kevin Danso is certain to replace Romero in the XI, partnering Micky van de Ven in central defence. The duo will be tasked with keeping Jean-Philippe Mateta at bay.

With Destiny Udogie still out, Djed Spence should continue at left-back. Pedro Porro will retain his spot at right-back. The full-backs will be key in providing problems to the hosts from wide areas.

Midfield: Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall

Simons’ late, studs-up challenge on Van Dijk saw him receive a red card following VAR review, and as it was deemed a serious foul play, he has been suspended for three games. Lucas Bergvall is expected to replace Simons in the No.10 role, looking to provide creativity that unlocks the Palace backline.

Rodrigo Bentancur should continue his partnership with Archie Gray in the middle of the park. With Bentancur sitting deep and protecting the backline, Gray should get the license to push forward and link up with Bergvall in the final third. Joao Palhinha could be introduced in the second half if Frank needs more energy and physicality in midfield.

Attack: Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus

Frank could tweak things in attack following Simons’ suspension. Randal Kolo Muani was mostly ineffective up top against Liverpool. The Spurs boss could opt to use Kolo Muani from the left and hand Richarlison a start in the No.9 role after his impactful cameo last weekend.

Richarlison has found his goalscoring mojo of late and cannot be kept out of the first XI. Mohammed Kudus had a poor outing in the defeat to Liverpool, but him being the most creative player in the team should see the Ghanaian keep his spot on the right flank.

The likes of Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel will be strong attacking options to bring off the bench against a tiring Palace backline.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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