Paul Merson warns Antonio Conte that Crystal Palace can cause Tottenham Hotspur their ‘fair share of problems’ when the rivals meet on Boxing Day, via his Sportskeeda column.
Spurs play host to the Eagles for a festive London derby seeking revenge for a 3-0 defeat at Selhurst Park. Patrick Vieira’s side stunned a then-Nuno Espirito Santo-coached Tottenham in September to deal the Portuguese his first loss at the helm after taking charge this June.
The result snapped Spurs’ winning start and sparked a run of two wins in Nuno’s final seven games in charge. It also began a run of three Premier League derbies resulting in a defeat.
Tottenham have only beaten one London rival in a top-flight fixture so far this season after edging Brentford 2-0. Along with Palace, they have lost to Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham.
Spurs did overcome the Hammers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, however. Goals from Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura either side of Jarrod Bowen’s strike being the difference.
Merson sends Conte warning for Tottenham vs Palace
Crystal Palace had not won a Premier League game this season before beating Tottenham 3-0 on September 11. They were also unable to use the result as a springboard. Vieira did not oversee another win until the Eagles stunned Manchester City 2-0 on October 30.
The Selhurst Park natives followed their win at the Etihad Stadium by beating Wolves. Yet then lost three of their next four before beating Everton and drawing with Southampton.
Crystal Palace will now visit seventh-place Tottenham on Sunday 11th in the standings. But Merson warns Conte that Vieira’s side – especially with Conor Gallagher – can spell trouble.
“Crystal Palace have plenty of energy in midfield with Gallagher and they could cause Spurs a fair share of problems,” he wrote. “There will be a lot of goals here, and I think Palace can get something out of this Premier League game.”
Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 4-1 under Jose Mourinho when they last hosted the Eagles in March. Spurs have also won their last six Premier League meetings with the Selhurst Park side when at home. They have also kept five clean sheets with an aggregate score of 13-1.
Merson, though, urges Conte and Tottenham to be alert to Crystal Palace’s lively midfield.
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