Spurs expert predicts Tottenham v Crystal Palace result in ‘cup final’ verdict
Tottenham must be cautious of the “buzz” around Crystal Palace at the moment when the two sides meet, according to ex-Spurs scout Bryan King.
Spurs will welcome Crystal Palace to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a Premier League London derby on Saturday 2 March.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will be looking to bounce back from a 2-1 home defeat against Wolves on Saturday 17 February while Palace will arrive full of confidence after Oliver Glasner made a winning start to life as manager at Selhurst Park with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday 24 February.
King believes Tottenham must be wary as a result of the managerial change but predicted Spurs will get the win in a match he likened to a “cup final”.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, King said: “Spurs definitely need a result and Palace are coming off a win, they have got a new manager and suddenly there is a bit of a buzz around the club so Spurs have to make sure they go out there and do their job.
“If they want to stay in with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League, Tottenham have to win.
“This is a big game, it is almost like a cup final, and I expect a competitive match. I do think Tottenham will win, but it will be tough.”
Spurs must beat Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday
There is nowhere left to hide for Postecoglou and his players.
Every game between now and the end of the season is a must-win for Spurs as they look to make a return to the UEFA Champions League.
The North London outfit have been knocked out of the FA Cup, with just the Premier League left on the agenda.
Aston Villa currently sit five points ahead of Tottenham in fourth place, albeit having played a game more.
Spurs cannot afford any slip-ups, especially as they get set to travel to Villa Park to take on Unai Emery’s side on Sunday 10 March.
That fixture could go a long way in determining how Spurs’ season finishes and Postecoglou will want his squad to arrive in the West Midlands on a high.
In other Tottenham news, one “exceptional” Spurs player looks set to miss out against the Eagles.
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