Crystal Palace Summary
After a much-needed win over Bournemouth last time out, Crystal Palace has regained confidence and crept closer to the top half of the table.
The 3-0 Boxing Day loss at home to Fulham was a huge setback at the time, but the reaction was perfect as Palace won 0-2 away in the south of England a few days later. If they could follow it up with a victory over London rivals Tottenham midweek, it caps a great start to 2023 for the Eagles.
Crystal Palace is keen to add consistency to their game and although a win is an aim initially, Palace would not be disheartened by a draw from this because Tottenham is a club they respect.
Patrick Viera will not be able to call on Mitchell at left back as the England international is serving a suspension for a straight red. This is the most notable absence for the host, while McArthur and backup keeper Johnston also remain sidelined.
Tottenham Summary
After their worst performance of the season in a flat 2-0 loss to Aston Villa, the mood is poor at Tottenham, and this is a high-pressure game for Conte and his side.
Tottenham’s players were booed off at full time on the weekend and have fallen five points behind Manchester United in 4th place. Failure to win in South London pushes them even further from champions league positions.
The morale in the dressing room is going to be a concern after Antonio Conte conceded that “maybe fifth is the best” that his side can achieve this season.
The frustrated Italian boss is without his most creative midfielder in Bentancur, but the bigger miss is in attack where Kulusevski is unlikely to begin once more.
Adding to the concerns in attack, Richarlison and Lucas Moura remain out and so unless the Swede is risked from the start then Tottenham is significantly weaker.
Skipp is likely to begin in midfield with Bissouma suspended, while Eric Dier should be recalled after being left out on New Year’s Day.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first, where the favourite for this game is Tottenham who are priced @ 2.25 to get a win. The home side will fancy their chances here and punters can bet them @ 3.30 which looks like the value bet. The draw meanwhile is @ 3.40
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest which gives Crystal Palace a +0.25 start @ 1.94. Tottenham are -0.25 @ 1.92 but punters should watch for line ups here, backing Spurs without Kulusevski is not recommendable and if the Swede isn’t risked which is the most likely scenario, Conte’s team will probably drift to a bigger price in this and the 1×2 market.
Looking at The Under/Over market last of all which looks well set at 2.5. Punters have already moved the ‘Under’ price down, with under 2.5 goals now @ 1.84 having opened higher. Over 2.5 goals is priced @ 1.99, if Kulusevski starts then this price will likely drop.
