- Crystal Palace struggled in their recent 2-0 defeat to Leeds United, with manager Oliver Glasner noting, “I believe we had the incorrect mindset. We lost every second ball,” as reported by BBC Sport.​
- Palace have not won any of their six Premier League games this season following Conference League matches, and they have failed to triumph in their last four home games across all competitions since a 3-1 win over AZ Alkmaar.​
- Despite this, Palace won both league meetings against Tottenham last season: 1-0 at Selhurst Park with a goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta, and 2-0 away with goals from Eberechi Eze, as detailed in Yahoo Sports coverage.​
- Tottenham lost 2-1 at home to Liverpool recently, marking their fifth home defeat this season; they have fewer wins, points, and 13 fewer goals compared to the same stage last season.​
- Historical edge lies with Tottenham, who have won 37 of 67 meetings since 1906, including 19 of 32 Premier League clashes (7 draws, 6 losses).​
- Spurs rarely lose their final league match of the calendar year, with only one defeat in the last 16 seasons (8 wins, 7 draws).​
- Palace aim to extend their run of winning their last league game of the calendar year for the fourth straight season.​
- Key Palace players include midfielder Adam Wharton, defender Marc Guehi, and forwards Jean-Philippe Mateta and Javi Pino.​
- Oliver Glasner spoke ahead of the match on Mateta, Spurs, and fixture congestion, per BBC Sport.​
- Prediction odds favour Palace slightly at 44.4% win probability vs Spurs’ 32.3%.​
Crystal Palace host Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on 28 December 2025 in a crucial Premier League encounter marred by both teams’ recent struggles. Tottenham hold a commanding historical advantage, but Palace’s double victory over Spurs last season adds intrigue. Key stats highlight form dips and head-to-head dominance as talking points dominate previews.
Why Did Crystal Palace Struggle Recently?
As reported in BBC Sport’s preview article by their football team, Crystal Palace suffered a 2-0 loss at Leeds United, exemplifying their woes post-European games. Manager Oliver Glasner, aged 51, stated bluntly, “I believe we had the incorrect mindset. We lost every second ball”. This defeat at Elland Road is the latest instance of Palace failing to win any of their six Premier League matches this season after Conference League involvement.​
The Eagles will be relieved to return to Selhurst Park, though they have not triumphed in their last four home matches across all competitions since a 3-1 victory over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in early November. Yahoo Sports analysis echoes this, noting Palace outshone Tottenham last season with clean-sheet wins, but current form tells a different story.​
What Ails Tottenham’s Campaign?
Tottenham’s 2-1 home loss to Liverpool marked their fifth home defeat this season, with performances in front of their fans described as generally uninspiring for an extended period. When compared to the 2024-25 season at this stage, Spurs have fewer wins, fewer points, and 13 fewer goals scored. Yahoo Sports highlights this contrast negatively against their previous campaign’s stronger showing.​
The setback underscores broader home woes, as detailed in BBC Sport’s key stats and talking points. Despite this, Spurs showed dominance in past metrics, such as completing 728 passes in a prior 3-1 win over Palace—the most in a recorded Premier League home match since 2003-04.​
Who Holds the Historical Edge?
History strongly favours Tottenham in this fixture, as outlined by BBC Sport writers. Spurs have won 37 of the 67 meetings between the clubs, including the inaugural clash in 1906. In Premier League terms, they claim 19 victories from 32 games, with seven draws and only six losses.​
Yahoo Sports reinforces this, noting Palace managed a shutout streak against Spurs last season, but overall records tilt decisively towards North London. It is uncommon for Spurs to enter a new year after a defeat; they have lost their final league match of the calendar year only once in the last 16 seasons, boasting eight wins and seven draws.​
Can Palace Repeat Last Season’s Feats?
Crystal Palace defeated Tottenham twice in last season’s Premier League, per Yahoo Sports reporting. The home leg at Selhurst Park ended 1-0 courtesy of a first-half strike from Jean-Philippe Mateta, while the return in North London saw Eberechi Eze net two goals for a 2-0 away triumph.​
BBC Sport notes Palace have won their last league match of the calendar year for the past four seasons and aim to continue that against Spurs. Key figures like Adam Wharton in midfield, Marc Guehi at the back, and the attacking duo of Mateta and Javi Pino bear an extra load, as per NBC Sports preview.​
What Are Reasons for Optimism?
For Tottenham, despite struggles, their fixture history provides solace—they have secured three points in 19 of 32 Premier League meetings with Palace. Entering the new year with a win aligns with their rare loss in calendar-year finales.​
For Palace, home advantage post-Europe could spark revival, especially after last season’s dominance over Spurs. Oliver Glasner addressed Mateta’s form, the Spurs matchup, and fixture congestion in pre-match comments covered by BBC Sport. Prediction models from Football Whispers give Palace a 44.4% win probability against Spurs’ 32.3%.​
How Do Past Matches Inform This Clash?
Older encounters offer context; in October 2023, Tottenham won 2-1 at Crystal Palace, moving five points clear atop the table, as chronicled by BBC Sport. Joel Ward’s 53rd-minute own goal from James Maddison’s cross opened scoring, followed by Son Heung-min’s 66th-minute strike, with Jefferson Andersen assisting late for Palace.​
Ange Postecoglou told BBC Sport post-match, “Every week is a different challenge. The key for us was to be disciplined, focused and persistent in our play and we did that”. Maddison and Son’s form proved pivotal then, potentially key again.​
In another clash, Tottenham’s 3-1 win featured record 728 passes, per BBC stats. Live coverage from BBC includes score updates and commentary for the upcoming game.​
What Makes This Match Pivotal?
Both teams seek momentum before the new year; Palace to end calendar year winning streak, Spurs to avoid rare defeat. Fixture congestion tests Glasner’s squad, with Mateta under spotlight. Tottenham’s home woes contrast historical road strength at Selhurst.​
Neutral observers note Palace’s European hangover versus Spurs’ inconsistency, but stats tilt towards a tight affair. Comprehensive previews from BBC, Yahoo, and others ensure no angle missed.​
