James Maddison fit as Tottenham host Crystal Palace in Saturday 5.30pm kick-off

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has confirmed James Maddison is available for the visit of Crystal Palace on Saturday, October 31 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (5.30pm GMT). Destiny Udogie also returns after a knee injury, but Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and five others are unavailable. Here is the full team news and predicted XI.

  • Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace
  • Kick-off: 5.30pm GMT, Saturday, October 31
  • Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Key returns: James Maddison and Destiny Udogie fit
  • Key absences: Bergvall, Savio, Simons, Odobert, Mudryk, Tosin Adarabioyo, Bentancur (suspended)

Predicted Tottenham XI

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3)

Starting XI: Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali, Gallagher; Kudus, Solanke, Tel

Substitutes: Not stated in source.

Selection notes

Maddison's return is the headline. He was central to Tottenham's 2-0 win at Chelsea – their first away victory over the Blues in eight years – before going off early in the second half with a groin concern. De Zerbi had already played down the issue after the match, and the problem has not developed into anything serious.

Udogie is also back after missing Tottenham's last two matches with the knee injury he suffered in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Before the Chelsea win, De Zerbi admitted Udogie was still feeling pain, but that has now eased enough for him to return.

Bergvall, who also picked up a knee injury against Manchester United, is expected to be out for around two weeks and this game comes too soon. Savio misses out with a muscular problem, while Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert remain long-term absentees. Mykhailo Mudryk is still sidelined with the ankle injury that has kept him out since September, and Tosin Adarabioyo remains unavailable after missing the Chelsea win. Rodrigo Bentancur serves the final match of his three-game suspension following his red card for a headbutt on Luke Shaw.

Injury and availability

  • James Maddison: Fit and available after groin concern.
  • Destiny Udogie: Available after knee injury; missed last two matches.
  • Lucas Bergvall: Out for around two weeks with knee injury.
  • Savio: Out with muscular problem.
  • Xavi Simons: Long-term absentee.
  • Wilson Odobert: Long-term absentee.
  • Mykhailo Mudryk: Sidelined since September with ankle injury.
  • Tosin Adarabioyo: Remains unavailable after missing Chelsea win.
  • Rodrigo Bentancur: Suspended (final match of three-game ban).

Why Maddison's return transforms Tottenham's final third

Maddison gives Tottenham control, tempo and the ability to find passes others do not. Without him, Spurs can look functional but predictable; with him, the frontline of Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel receives service that turns possession into penetration. His understanding with the midfield trio of Fernandes, Tonali and Gallagher will be key to breaking down a Palace side likely to sit deep and frustrate.

Udogie's return is equally significant. Andy Robertson has filled in at left-back, but Udogie's recovery gives De Zerbi the option of a more natural attacking outlet on that flank. The Italian's ability to overlap and deliver early crosses will stretch Palace's back line. However, the absence of Bentancur in midfield means Tonali must anchor the side against counter-attacks.

With five players injured and one suspended, Tottenham's squad depth will be tested, but the returns of Maddison and Udogie provide a timely boost. Spurs go into the fixture in better shape than feared – not perfect, far from it, but better. For a side trying to build momentum, that is enough to matter.

Talking points

  • Does Maddison's return make Tottenham genuine top-four contenders, or is the squad still too thin to cope with injuries to Bergvall, Simons and Odobert?
  • Should Udogie come straight back in ahead of Robertson, who has performed admirably in his absence?
  • With Bentancur suspended, is Tonali the right choice to shield the defence, or does De Zerbi need a more defensive midfielder?
  • Can Tottenham capitalise on Palace's likely low block, or will they struggle to break down a stubborn defence?

What happens next

Tottenham face Crystal Palace on Saturday, October 31 at 5.30pm GMT. Three points would maintain momentum after the Chelsea win and keep Spurs in touch with the top four. Defeat would raise questions about squad depth and De Zerbi's ability to manage absences. The Italian will be hoping his returning stars can make the difference.

Frequently asked questions

Is James Maddison playing for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace?

Yes, Maddison is fit and available after recovering from a groin issue.

Who is injured for Tottenham against Crystal Palace?

Bergvall, Savio, Simons, Odobert, Mudryk and Tosin Adarabioyo are injured, while Bentancur is suspended.

What is Tottenham's predicted lineup vs Crystal Palace?

Kinsky; Porro, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali, Gallagher; Kudus, Solanke, Tel.

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