Three big things to expect as Tottenham host Crystal Palace in must-win Premier League clash - Opinion

Tottenham Hotspur will engage in a third consecutive London derby this Thursday with hopes of getting a result, unlike the previous two.

Life at Tottenham Hotspur could not really be much worse right now, but Thursday provides another chance to make things right.

Spurs are winless in the Premier League since December, but a spirited second-half display against Fulham might do something to restore confidence in Igor Tudor’s team.

As bad as things are, a victory would likely push Tottenham comfortably above the relegation zone, which would certainly provide a boost in morale for the club’s players and fans alike.

Here are three things to expect when the North Londoners welcome Crystal Palace to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Brennan Johnson will line up against Spurs

Crystal Palace’s X account has already teased the upcoming fixture with a picture of Brennan Johnson, indicating the winger will be involved in the game.

Johnson started his first few matches at Palace before spending three games as a substitute, but he was back in the starting lineup to face Manchester United last weekend.

It will be strange seeing the Welshman back in North London so soon after his unlikely departure, and Tottenham fans will just be hoping he does not find the net.

Although Johnson was not the most complete player, he did get his fair share of goals. In fact, he would probably be starting under Tudor had he remained at Spurs, considering he is a more suitable wide option than Xavi Simons and Conor Gallagher.

Richarlison and Mathys Tel will start for Tottenham

Tudor will have no choice but to consider making changes to his starting lineup, and bringing in Richarlison is an obvious decision. 

The Brazilian made an impact against Fulham and got himself on the scoresheet, so playing him from the start against Palace is a no-brainer.

Mathys Tel should also be on the pitch from minute one after playing well during his appearance off the bench against Fulham.

The young Frenchman is far more suited to the left wing role than Simons, and he has the ability to breathe some life into the game.

Tottenham will get a result against Crystal Palace

This is surely the most controversial thing to expect yet! Spurs have been utterly hopeless in the Premier League, but Palace are not much better.

It was Oliver Glasner’s team who Tottenham last defeated in the top flight, and this is the perfect opportunity for the hosts on Thursday to break their winless streak.

However, this just feels like the type of game which screams a 1-1 draw based on where both teams are at right now, so Spurs might not win, even if they get something from the game.

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