Opposition briefing: Europa League finalists Tottenham Hotspur

Match previews

9 Mar 2025

Crystal Palace face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, 11th May (14:15 BST) in a meeting of two sides heading for cup finals – before kick-off it’s time to get the lowdown on our latest opponents…

Factfile

Manager: Ange Postecoglou
Current Position: 16th
Nickname: The Lilywhites
Ground: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Founded: 1882 (143 years ago)

What’s the story?

Tottenham's worst Premier League season in years could yet be salvaged by European glory. Thursday night's aggregate victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final has put them on the cusp of glory.

That success has booked a final against fellow league strugglers Manchester United, which could end Spurs' relative silverware drought and, crucially, also offer a route to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League. Ange Postecoglou's side have been inconsistent this season, with the manager's claim that he always wins silverware in his second season met with mockery at times.

A shock collapse against Brighton, back in October, was described by Postecoglou as the "worst since I’ve been here", and his team have rarely shown the promise often display during his first term.

They need to pick up points over the last three games to ensure they avoid the embarrassment of finishing 17th - although they are already guaranteed to record their worst league placing since finishing 14th in 2003/04.

Although defensively they have left a lot to be desired at times, the likes of Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke have ensured Spurs still carry an attacking threat.

Injuries to James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Heung-min Son have harmed them in recent weeks, but Tottenham's impressive Europa run has shown they can still match any side in the division on their day, something also highlighted earlier in the season when they went to the Etihad Stadium and thrashed Manchester City 4-0.

The boss

Postecoglou’s journey to the top began with a semi-professional side in his home country of Australia, working his way up via the national side, a spell in Japan and two successful years with Celtic before taking over in north London. His free-flowing style of football has won him plaudits worldwide.

Tottenham's trophy drought is now into its 16th year, but Postecoglou is certain he can change things. “Usually in my second season I win things,” he told Sky Sports earlier in the season. “Actually, I’ll correct myself. I don’t usually win things, I always win things. Nothing has changed.”

If he succeeds in bringing home European silverware on May 21, he'll ensure a place in the hearts of Spurs supporters for years to come.

Boot in both camps

Palace's legendary promotion-winning captain Mile Jedinak became a Selhurst Park hero in 2013, and returns to South London as assistant to countryman Postecoglou.

Former Palace hero Andros Townsend also came through the ranks at White Heart Lane, while former Eagles winger Wayne Routledge moved across the capital to Tottenham back in 2005, spending three years in North London.

Record against Palace

Palace have not always enjoyed the strongest record against Tottenham, leading in North London last season through Ebere Eze's fantastic free-kick, before a late turnaround.

But Oliver Glasner's team took all three points in the reverse fixture, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring the only goal at Selhurst Park, after good work from Ebere Eze, who was excellent throughout.

Prior to that, our most recent success against Spurs was a 3-0 win in September 2021. We'll also always have Odsonne Edouard, 28 seconds, Premier League debut – you know the story.

Did you know?

Why Hotspur? Because of 12th century knight Sir Henry Percy, of course, who was nicknamed ‘Hotspur’ by the Scots for his tendency to dig his spurs into his horse while charging into battle during the Hundred Years’ War, and whose family owned the Tottenham Marshes where Spurs first played.

Because spurs (the item) were associated with fighting cockerels, the club adopted the bird on their logo too, and a version of the huge statue that stands atop their stadium today was first crafted by William James Scott, one of the players.

Still a non-league club when they won their first FA Cup title in 1901 – the only club to achieve such a feat – they had sporadic success before the Second World War. Then, future Palace manager Arthur Rowe took over and laid the foundations for Total Football with his ‘push and run’ style of play, winning a first top-flight title in 1951.

Match details

Sunday, 11th May
14:15 BST
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Live audio commentary on Palace TV+

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