Tottenham XI vs Crystal Palace: Team news, predicted lineup and injuries

Tottenham Hotspur head to Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon for a London derby against Crystal Palace, with Thomas Frank forced into changes after a double suspension blow.

Spurs were improved in last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool despite finishing with nine men, but they now arrive in south London without two key starters and with their squad depth again being tested.

Tottenham will be without Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero after both were sent off during the 2-1 loss to Liverpool.

Simons begins a three-match suspension following a straight red card — awarded after a VAR review — for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk. Romero, meanwhile, serves a one-game ban after picking up a second yellow card for an altercation with Ibrahima Konaté deep into stoppage time.

The absences leave Frank with little choice defensively, with Kevin Danso expected to step into the heart of the back line.

Frank confirmed there are no new injury concerns, but several long-term absentees remain unavailable.

Dominic Solanke (ankle) and Dejan Kulusevski (patella) are still some way from returning, despite earlier hope that Kulusevski might feature again before the end of 2025.

“The same as I said before, both of them,” Frank said. “I will be very happy when I can announce how they are part of the squad. I think it’s much better to speak about it when they’re here.”

Destiny Udogie is also sidelined until the New Year with a hamstring injury picked up against Newcastle, while James Maddison is unlikely to feature again this season as he continues recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Midfield options are further reduced with Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma away at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Spurs showed greater fluidity against Liverpool when operating without a recognised striker in the opening half-hour, but Richarlison’s impact off the bench changed the game. The Brazilian dragged Tottenham back into contention and is expected to be rewarded with a start at Selhurst Park.

Lucas Bergvall is also set to operate higher up the pitch again, likely in a No.10 role, offering energy and pressing in Simons’ absence.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Sergio Reguilón; Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray; Randal Kolo Muani, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus; Richarlison

Spurs are looking to build on the performance level shown against Liverpool, even if the result went against them. With suspensions and injuries limiting rotation, Frank’s side will need discipline and efficiency to come away with points against a Palace team that relish home derbies.

Can Tottenham overcome suspensions and injuries to deliver a statement win at Selhurst Park?