Spurs predicted line-up vs. Crystal Palace: Eight changes as Son set to miss out

Ange Postecoglou’s inconsistent Tottenham Hotspur side will hope to build on last weekend’s 4-1 thrashing of West Ham United when they make the short trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon.

With their opponents Crystal Palace winless and desperately lacking in form in the Premier League, Spurs seem to have a golden opportunity to win back-to-back league games for just the second time this season, and have been boosted by the return of Richarlison from injury. The Brazilian forward marked his first start of the season with the winning penalty in Thursday’s 1-0 Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar.

Spurs do nevertheless have a couple of injury concerns ahead of their cross-capital clash this weekend, including a worry over captain and talisman Son Heung-Min. We’ve collected all of the latest team news and ventured a predicted line-up below – and if you’re looking for information ahead of Friday evening’s Fantasy Premier League deadline, then you can also find our resident expert’s advice column right here.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Postecoglou used Thursday night’s match as an opportunity to rest, rotate, and give some minutes to back-ups such as reserve goalkeeper Fraser Forster and defender Radu Drăgușin, whose discontentment at a lack of playing time has led to speculation that he might leave the club – but Postecoglou is expected to revert to his first-choice players this weekend.

The only known injury question mark at the back hangs over the head of wing-back Djed Spence, who recently signed a new four-year contract despite playing just ten matches for Spurs since arriving a little over two years ago. He is believed to be close to a return from a groin injury but is a doubt for Sunday.

Midfield

Spurs should have a clean bill of health in the heart of midfield, and Postecoglou seems likely to persist with the more attacking midfield set-up he has employed in recent matches, with James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski playing either side of a single holding midfielder.

Yves Bissouma started in that holding role and scored a fine goal against West Ham, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr were both given minutes against AZ in midweek – which makes it likely that former Brighton & Hove Albion man Bissouma is the favourite to get the job this time around. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are likely to be without the services of Cheick Doucouré, who has a toe injury.

Forward

Brazilian forward Richarlison lasted just over an hour on Thursday evening and is highly unlikely to start on Sunday despite his return to fitness - although his chances have increased after Ange Postecoglou told reporters at his Friday press conference that Son was “unlikely” to play due to a minor ankle injury. He was said to be feeling some soreness prior to the match against AZ, which he eventually missed.

The only player who will definitely not make the trip to Crystal Palace is summer signing Wilson Odobert – the former Burnley winger has sustained a serious hamstring injury and while the club have yet to suggest a return date, he is expected to miss at least two more weeks of football, and perhaps more.

Full Tottenham Hotspur predicted line-up

Vicario; Udogie, Romero, Van de Ven, Porro; Maddison, Bissouma, Kulusevski; Werner, Johnson, Solanke.