Following a disappointing 1-1 draw at Turf Moor with Burnley, Tottenham have added another fixture to their busy January, and their next fixture is a trip to Selhurst Park for a London derby against Crystal Palace. This will be Alan Pardew’s first Premier League game in charge of Crystal Palace after the sacking of Neil Warnock, and he will be looking to get off to the best start possible. Here is the team news and predicted line-up.
Team News:
Ryan Mason picked up a hamstring injury early on in the 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year’s Day and Mauricio Pochettino has reported that he and Erik Lamela will not be available for the trip to Palace, but could make their returns next week against Sunderland at White Hart Lane. Nabil Bentaleb is on African Cup Of Nations duty with Algeria, so therefore, he is out.
Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris:
I have heard from many people that they think Hugo Lloris has been our best and most consistent player of 2014. This has sparked interest from some of the biggest European clubs. Lloris is an exceptional keeper and should start at Selhurst Park.
Defence: Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Federico Fazio, Danny Rose:
People are starting to realise the importance of starting Jan Vertonghen and Federico Fazio now, and the record that Spurs have when those two have started at the back is excellent. However, I feel that mistakes at the back need to be minimised. Kyle Walker has been solid since his return, although I will admit that he didn’t have his best game against Chelsea, but we all have those!
Midfield (Holding): Mousa Dembele, Benjamin Stambouli:
The absence of Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb gives these two midfielders a great chance to impress. Benjamin Stamboui has impressed me the most over Dembele, and he should, get a starting place no matter what. I feel that Dembele has put in better performances than other midfielders this season, and is further up the pecking order than likes of Etienne Capoue. The absence of Bentaleb could see Capoue make an appearance in a cup game perhaps.
Midfield (Attacking): Andros Townsend, Christian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli:
This trio worked fantastically against Chelsea and I expect more of the same here. Chadli was exceptional against Chelsea and he has developed so much as a player this season under Mauricio Pochettino. Christian Eriksen has been fantastic this season, and has scored a couple of our late winners. Andros Townsend has taken the opportunity that he has been given with open arms and has put in a few good performances, scoring the penalty on. New Year’s Day.
Striker: Harry Kane:
Since his introduction into the first team, Harry Kane has been a pivotal player for us. If he continues his current form, he can be a twenty goal per season man. He should definitely start without a shadow of a doubt.
