Totteham host Crystal Palace on Wednesday night in what will be the first Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
After a long-awaited opening due to repeated delays, Spurs will finally get the chance to test out their new 62,062 seater arena.
You just can't call it...#PL pic.twitter.com/tK6cWmRn5P
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 31, 2019
The encounter is one of great anticipation and also comes at a crucial point of the campaign with Mauricio Pochettino's side in need of points to hold onto a top four position and Palace looking to gain further breathing ground away from the Premier League's bottom three.
Check out 90min's preview of the encounter below.
Where to Watch
| When Is Kick Off? | Wednesday 3 April |
| What Time Is Kick Off? | 20:00 (BST) |
| Where Is it Played? | Tottenham Hostpur Stadium |
| TV Channel/Live Stream? | Gilette Soccer Special |
| Referee? | Andre Marriner |
Team News
Pochettino was without Eric Dier for the weekend defeat at Liverpool, and will be keeping a watchful eye on the potential return of the key midfielder. Harry Winks should be back after missing the last match through a strained hip flexor, while Serge Aurier could also return from a pulled hamstring.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned to fitness ahead of Palace's win at the weekend, however, Mamadou Sakho also remains unavailable. Other than the center-half, Roy Hodgson will be able to bring a full strength team to the curtain raiser of Spurs' new stadium.
Predicted Lineups
| Tottenham | Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Wanyama, Sissoko, Alli, Eriksen; Son, Kane. |
| Crystal Palace | Guaita; Wan-Bissaka, Kelly, Tomkins, Schlupp; Milivojevic, Meyer, McArthur, Townsend, Batshuayi, Zaha |
Head to Head Record
Recent Form
It has been anything but smooth sailing for Pochettino's side in recent weeks, a series of five Premier League matches without victory has seen them fall out of the title challenge and avert their attentions towards staying in the top four.
7️⃣ games.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 1, 2019
A massive month ahead.#COYS pic.twitter.com/987eQCNv6J
The rough patch they've been through culminated in a last minute defeat at Anfield on Sunday, leaving them them just the solitary point above fifth place Arsenal and in third. While their eagerness to taste victory at their new stadium's opening is a given, added incentive is piled on Spurs knowing they could start their first full season at their stadium without Champions League football.
Crystal Palace on the other hand earned a much needed win over now relegated Huddersfield on Saturday as they look to steer clear of the relegation zone. Three wins from their last five matches have seen them climb up to 13th in the table, eight points away from Cardiff in 18th.
A morning read!
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 31, 2019
Palace score two late goals to get a crucial three points against Huddersfield. #CPFC 礪
It will be a sizable task to leave north London with a positive result on Wednesday but Hodgson's men may look to prey on the monumental pressure Spurs' will find themselves in at their stadium opening - with nerves surely set to kick in at some point.
Here's how the pair got on in their previous five fixtures:
| Tottenham | Crystal Palace |
| Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham (31/3) | Crystal Palace 2-0 Huddersfield (30/3) |
| Southampton 2-1 Tottenham (09/3) |
Crystal Palace 1-2 Brighton (09/3) |
| Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Tottenham (05/3) |
Burnley 1-3 Crystal Palace (02/3) |
|
Tottenham 1-1 Arsenal (02/3) |
Crystal Palace 1-3 Man Utd (27/2) |
| Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham (27/2) |
Leicester 1-4 Crystal Palace (23/2) |
Prediction
This clash will be remembered for many years to come, regardless of the final scoreline, however, anything other than a win for Spurs will leave a bitter taste in supporters' mouths.
Tottenham were more than worthy of a point against Liverpool on Sunday but were cruelly denied by a last minute own goal. As such, the importance of Wednesday's match is increased twofold, so expect a rip-roaring and devastating showing from the home side. They need three points - and you'd back them to get it.
#NewSpursStadium pic.twitter.com/d3x4gjoJMI
— New Spurs Stadium (@NewSpursStadium) March 24, 2019
The Eagles have a knack of creating numerous chances, particularly at home, yet scuppering the vast majority and winning games by the odd goal. With that in mind, they will create far few on Wednesday and simply have to take their opportunities when they're presented to them, or else they stand no chance.
It has to be a Tottenham win doesn't it? Doesn't it?
Prediction: Tottenham 2-0 Crystal Palace
Source : 90min