Tottenham take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend and according to Charlie Nicholas, Nuno’s side will not have a walk in the park.
Spurs are currently sitting at the top of the table while Palace are yet to pick up a win in their first three matches. But the Lilywhites have a host of injuries and suspensions to deal with which is sure to give Palace a massive edge in this encounter.
Nicholas has claimed that while Spurs should come out with a win on Saturday but the Eagles are going to make life difficult for Nuno’s side.
The pundit said on the Where’s Jeff podcast: “I generally do think Palace, under Vieira, might just start taking a few things in.
“They won’t be as disciplined and well-drilled as [they were under] Roy [Hodgson] but I think that might aid them.
“I know Spurs have had an excellent start but I think this is a really tough game to call.
“I see Spurs edging it but Palace will give them a real game.”
Tottenham to stumble against Crystal Palace?
Nuno has done a lot of great work ever since taking charge at Tottenham but now his real litmus test begins.
The manager is likely to be without as many as seven first-team players so it’s going to be a nightmare for Nuno to name a strong-enough starting line up.
The likes of Sessegnon, Skipp are out injured but the major cause of concern for the Spurs boss will be with players like Son and Bergwijn.
Update on Son Heung Min's injury : Son looked OK at the airport for his flight back to UK. No KFA official comment on his injury, but it is being said "it's not serious". Whether he can play this weekend or not is still a doubt, but IMO, he is better be rested, if possible. #son
— Sungmo Lee (@Sungmo_Lee) September 8, 2021
Both the first-team regulars picked up knocks during the international break and it will be a major challenge for the manager to fill these gaping holes.
Spurs do have the firepower to push past Crystal Palace but the Eagles are sure to put up some hurdles along the way.
Palace are winless in their last 12 league matches against Tottenham, their last win coming back in January of 2015. We don’t expect any major upset this weekend but having said that it will not be a major shocker either if the Eagles can pick up something from this encounter.
