Tottenham vs Crystal Palace: Maddison doubtful, Gallagher set to start in predicted line-ups
Tottenham host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, October 31 at 5.30pm GMT at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Spurs are chasing a third straight win, while Palace are just above the relegation scrap. James Maddison is a major doubt with a groin issue, so Conor Gallagher is expected to face his former club.
- Kick-off: 5.30pm GMT on Saturday, October 31
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Competition: Premier League
- Headline team news: James Maddison is a serious doubt; Conor Gallagher expected to start
- Predicted score: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Crystal Palace
- At stake: Spurs seek a third consecutive league win; Palace need a response after recent poor form
Confirmed line-ups
No confirmed line-ups have been released yet. The source provides predicted team news and selection notes based on latest information.
Tottenham Hotspur (likely shape from available players)
Predicted XI: Details of the starting XI have not been confirmed. Conor Gallagher is expected to start in place of the injured James Maddison.
Substitutes: Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Tosin Adarabioyo are all in contention to return to the matchday squad.
Crystal Palace (likely shape from available players)
Predicted XI: Dean Henderson is expected to start in goal after returning from injury. Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to come straight back into the starting line-up after being rested in midweek.
Substitutes: Jorgen Strand Larsen and Quinten Timber have returned to training and should be involved in some capacity.
Selection notes
Tottenham's main concern is James Maddison, who went off early in the second half against Chelsea with a groin issue and is a serious doubt. Rodrigo Bentancur is unavailable as he serves the last game of his three-match suspension following his red card in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Spurs have some depth returning: Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Tosin Adarabioyo are in contention to return to the squad. However, Mykhailo Mudryk, Savio, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined.
For Crystal Palace, Dean Henderson is back in goal after missing nine games with a foot injury. Ben Chilwell and Cheick Doucoure also started in midweek, with Doucoure making his first competitive appearance since January 2025. Eddie Nketiah scored the winner in the Carabao Cup against Fulham, but Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to return to the starting XI after being left out for workload management.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ismaila Sarr are not expected back until after the November international break, while Chadi Riad remains out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
What was said
No direct quotes were provided in the source article.
The numbers
- Tottenham are 14th in the Premier League table.
- Spurs have won their last two Premier League matches: 3-1 vs Coventry City and 2-0 at Chelsea.
- Crystal Palace have won just one of their last five Premier League matches.
- Palace have failed to score in three of their four league away games this season.
- Palace have won on their last two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Injury and availability
- James Maddison (Tottenham): Serious doubt (groin)
- Rodrigo Bentancur (Tottenham): Suspended (last of three-match ban)
- Destiny Udogie (Tottenham): In contention to return
- Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham): In contention to return
- Tosin Adarabioyo (Tottenham): In contention to return
- Mykhailo Mudryk (Tottenham): Sidelined
- Savio (Tottenham): Sidelined
- Xavi Simons (Tottenham): Long-term absentee
- Wilson Odobert (Tottenham): Long-term absentee
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace): Returned from foot injury
- Ben Chilwell (Crystal Palace): Available (started midweek)
- Cheick Doucoure (Crystal Palace): Available (started midweek)
- Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace): Expected to return to starting XI
- Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace): Returned to training
- Quinten Timber (Crystal Palace): Returned to training
- Takehiro Tomiyasu (Crystal Palace): Out until after November international break
- Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace): Out until after November international break
- Chadi Riad (Crystal Palace): Out (ACL injury)
Why Tottenham's midfield reshuffle gives them the edge
With James Maddison likely absent, Tottenham lose their chief creative spark. However, Conor Gallagher is expected to step in against his former club, bringing energy and drive from midfield. Gallagher's ability to press and break into the box could disrupt Palace's rhythm, especially with Cheick Doucoure still working back to full fitness.
Palace's away struggles are stark: three blanks in four league games on the road. Jean-Philippe Mateta returning to lead the line is a boost, but service may be limited. Tottenham's defence, with Destiny Udogie potentially back, looks more solid than earlier in the season.
The tactical battle hinges on whether Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall can control the midfield. If they do, Spurs should create enough chances to see off a Palace side low on confidence.
Talking points
- Should Conor Gallagher start ahead of the injured Maddison? His energy could unsettle Palace, but creativity might suffer.
- Palace have won their last two at Tottenham, but current form suggests that run will end. Can they produce a surprise?
- Dean Henderson's return is a huge boost, but Palace's away scoring problems remain. Will Mateta get the service?
- A third straight win would lift Spurs to mid-table comfort. Is this the turning point for De Zerbi's side?
What happens next
Tottenham will look to build on their recent wins and climb further up the table, while Crystal Palace desperately need points to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. The match kicks off at 5.30pm GMT on Saturday, October 31.
Frequently asked questions
Is James Maddison playing for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace?
Maddison is a serious doubt after suffering a groin issue in the win over Chelsea. He is unlikely to feature.
Who will start in place of Maddison for Tottenham?
Conor Gallagher is expected to start against his former club in the attacking midfield role.
What is the predicted score for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace?
The source predicts a 3-1 win for Tottenham Hotspur.
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