Kenya
Nigeria
Ghana
South Africa
United Kingdom
United States
India
Tanzania
Uganda
Zambia
Cameroon
Ivory CoastMaddison Ready for Spurs as De Zerbi Urges Focus Against Palace
James Maddison is fit to play for Tottenham against Crystal Palace despite limping off during the victory at Chelsea.
Maddison cleared after Chelsea scare
Tottenham playmaker James Maddison is available for Saturday's home match against Crystal Palace. The midfielder created fresh injury concerns when he limped off in the 51st minute of Tottenham's 2-0 win against Chelsea last weekend.
Maddison experienced a slow start to the season after returning in May from anterior cruciate ligament damage. He missed two days of training this week, but manager Roberto De Zerbi confirmed he is ready to play. De Zerbi praised Maddison as a special player with unique qualities, noting that he has worked hard and consistently for four or five weeks.
Managing squad fitness and avoiding risks
Destiny Udogie is also available for selection after missing victories against Coventry and Chelsea with a knee problem. It is the second knee issue this season for the Italian full back, who missed group training for a long time after the match against Manchester United.
De Zerbi stressed the need to manage player workload carefully to avoid new injuries like those suffered by Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro. The manager admitted that playing Porro against Aston Villa was a mistake shared between him and his staff, but praised the work of the club's medical team this season.
Keeping momentum after Stamford Bridge
Spurs host 17th place Crystal Palace following a historic first victory at Stamford Bridge in eight years, which was only their second away Premier League win against Chelsea. Despite the win, De Zerbi warned his squad that they have not achieved their overall goal and must push to build a winning streak.
The manager highlighted the leadership group within his squad, pointing to players such as Andy Robertson, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro, JP Van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, Rodrigo Bentancur, Tosin Adarabioyo, Ben Davies, and Maddison to maintain high standards and focus.
What it means for the next game
Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace (Premier League, Sat, 31 Oct): Tottenham Hotspur win 56%, draw 24%, Crystal Palace win 21%; expected goals 1.90 to 1.07. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.
Leeds United vs Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League, Sat, 07 Nov): Leeds United win 40%, draw 28%, Tottenham Hotspur win 31%; expected goals 1.36 to 1.17. Our safest pick: Under 3.5 goals.
Where to go next
On this site
Note: we do not get paid for any link on this page.
Predictions for these teams
Best bets
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
