View: Crystal Palace duo Zaha and Olise could exploit Tottenham in Premier League clash
Tottenham have been in miserable form in recent weeks, with the heartbreaking loss against Liverpool meaning Spurs are now winless in four.
Champions League football now looks unattainable with Manchester United, Newcastle and Liverpool the three teams who look most likely to battle it out for third and second position. Brighton are also firmly in the conversation having played three games less than their rivals.
Realistically, Europa League or Conference League football is now the aim, to ensure there is some sort of midweek action in North London come the start of the 2023/24 campaign. Up next for Spurs is a testing clash against Crystal Palace, with Roy Hodgson’s side enjoying a fine end to the season.
It promises to be an extremely tough fixture and Spurs must be extremely resolute defensively if they wish to pick up a positive result. According to Wyscout, no team in the Premier League has attempted more one on one dribbles per 90 minutes than Palace, and with a success rate of 55 per cent, they are fairly good at it.
We all know how effective Wilfried Zaha is operating from the left. The 30-year-old has attempted 214 dribbles during the 2022/23 season, amassing ten goals and assists to date. If Spurs adopt the same system as they did against Liverpool, Pedro Porro could well be tasked with keeping an eye on the talismanic winger, which could well be an issue.
We all know the Spaniard is eager to get forward, and his positioning has been a massive issue during the early part of his Premier League career. However, in recent weeks, there’s been a marked improvement in his defence output, with the 23-year-old managing a 100 per cent defensive duel success rate against Liverpool (5/5) and six interceptions.
He’s clearly still adapting to his surroundings and could well be a hit at Spurs, but ensuring he is aware of Zaha’s threat this weekend is a must. Another player who has been immense for the Eagles is Michael Olise. The 21-year-old Frenchman tore Leeds apart during their 5-1 mauling at Elland Road and has registered nine assists in the Premier League this season.
He likes to operate just off the right flank and can drift into a more central position. If Ivan Perisic starts, the Croatian must ensure he starts in an inverted position to give Tottenham’s midfield duo more assistance when it comes to tracking Olise’s runs.
With 213 dibbles attempted during the 2022/23 campaign, the Frenchman isn’t shy of confidence and will be looking to exploit gaps on the counterattack. After two damaging defeats and a battling draw against Manchester United, a win is a must for Spurs.
There’s a really bad feeling surrounding the club at present, but, as we all know, a convincing win can quickly change the mood.
In other Tottenham news, one youngster has been told to put himself in the shop window as his future in North London hangs in the balance.