Crystal Palace vs Tottenham (Premier League): odds and bets 28.12.2025

On Sunday 28 December at Selhurst Park (16:30 UK time), we have a match that seems to me to be more of a “trap” than the name of the visiting team suggests. Palace are 8th with 26 points and Spurs are in the lower-middle of the table (14th with 22), so the context is clear: the home side are competing for Europe and Tottenham, right now, are trying to stabilise.

The key to betting is in the match script. Palace with Glasner tends to be compact, uncomfortable and very dangerous on the counterattack and from set pieces, while Tottenham, if they don’t dominate consistently, break down and concede. And watch out for the precedent: Palace has won the last two league games against Spurs, so they won’t be shaking in their boots.

Crystal Palace

Palace arrive with mixed feelings, but with a high competitive ‘floor’. In the league, they have a 7-5-5 record, which explains their position: a serious team, difficult to beat, but with games where they struggle to hold their own when the opposition really presses.

In recent weeks, they have had mixed results: they won 0-1 at Burnley, but then suffered heavy defeats, such as 0-3 against Manchester City and 4-1 at Leeds. And in the League Cup, the 1-1 draw with Arsenal (they lost on penalties) left me with an impression that I find very interesting for this match: Palace knows how to survive and compete even when the opponent dominates phases of the game.

Tactically, Glasner has given them a recognisable identity: a mid-low block, tight lines, constant support and quick transitions with players attacking space. I really like how the team thrives on second balls and set pieces, because that’s where Selhurst Park pushes forward and makes the opposition uncomfortable.

The big question mark is at the back: Chris Richards ended up injured and comes into the game with a physical asterisk, in a Palace side that was already short of players in some areas. If he is not 100%, Palace loses a key player for defending crosses and duels.

Tottenham

Tottenham comes into the game after a strange season: 14th with 22 points and too many ups and downs. If you look at recent results, there are mixed signals: they were able to beat Brentford 2-0 and beat Nottingham Forest 3-0, but they also lost 4-1 to Arsenal and are coming off a 2-1 loss to Liverpool at home. That rollercoaster ride is exactly what makes me hesitate to bet: Spurs are dangerous when they are on form, but they fall apart when the game demands skill and control.

In terms of the squad, there are two details that carry weight: the manager has hinted that the line-up is ‘the same as before Liverpool’, and that includes two names that change the attack: Solanke and Kulusevski are still not guaranteed to be in the starting eleven, and Xavi Simons is coming off a red card, so the creative margin is reduced. Without these players, Tottenham tends to rely heavily on isolated actions and on the game breaking down.

Away from home, Spurs have also been quite inconsistent: I’ve seen them concede too much on the wing and suffer when attacked at the far post or when the box is filled with crosses, which is precisely where Palace tend to insist. If Tottenham don’t take an early lead, they could be in for a long game, suffering from transitions and side fouls.

My predictions for Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

BeniThe conservative one

Crystal Palace draw no bet (DNB) – odds 1.50

At Selhurst, Palace always compete and, despite suffering a recent setback in the league, their structure is reliable: compact block, good work without the ball and very threatening when the opposition loses possession. The DNB suits me because Tottenham have the quality to scrape a draw if the game is even, but right now they have important attacking players out injured or suspended, and that tends to be more noticeable away from home. For me, it’s the smart way to “buy” the Palace side without committing to a fixed 1.

BetoThe bold one

Draw at half-time / Crystal Palace wins at full-time (X/1) – odds 5.50

Palace usually start seriously, without taking silly risks, and Tottenham often need the game to open up to feel comfortable. If the first half ends with a low score (0-0 or 1-1), I see Palace growing in the second half for two reasons: atmosphere + set pieces + transitions. And Spurs, if they have to grind out a tight game without their best connectors, struggle. At odds of 5.50, it seems like a logical bet to me: initial balance and a local blow in the final stretch.