Gary Neville fully backs Jamie Carragher’s predictions for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace, as both teams are focused on their upcoming finals
Gary Neville fully backs Jamie Carragher’s predictions for Tottenham vs Crystal Palace, as both teams are focused on their upcoming finals
As Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace prepare for season-defining finals, their upcoming Premier League clash has taken on a different tone — one of caution and calculated rotation. With Tottenham set to face Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League final and Crystal Palace readying for an FA Cup showdown against Manchester City, both clubs are expected to rest key players and prioritize staying fit for the grand stage.
Jamie Carragher, speaking on *Monday Night Football*, shared a clear-cut prediction for the match:
“Tottenham vs Crystal Palace will be a tactical game with little risk from either side. I’m calling it now — 1-1 draw. Both teams will rotate heavily, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it felt more like a training match at times. The focus is on their finals.”
Gary Neville was quick to endorse Carragher’s view, stating, “Jamie’s spot on. Both clubs have everything riding on their upcoming finals. Spurs are out of the top-four picture, sitting down in 16th, so this game is more about preparation and avoiding injuries than chasing points.”
Tottenham’s domestic campaign has been disappointing, with inconsistent performances and injuries contributing to their current position near the bottom of the Premier League table. Despite their struggles in the league, Ange Postecoglou’s side has found success in Europe, reaching the Europa League final — a potential lifeline that could rescue their season with silverware and a backdoor into next season’s European competitions.
However, Spurs will be significantly weakened for the clash against Palace, and perhaps even for the final itself, as key players James Maddison and Son Heung-min are both sidelined through injury. Maddison is nursing a recurring ankle issue, while Son, the team’s captain and top scorer, is out with a hamstring strain. Their absence only reinforces the expectation that Spurs will adopt a conservative approach.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround under Oliver Glasner. Having steadied the ship after a rocky start to the campaign, Palace’s FA Cup run has been a beacon of hope and excitement for supporters. Now just one win away from lifting the trophy — and potentially securing European qualification — Palace will approach the Spurs match with similar caution. Glasner is likely to rotate heavily, focusing on freshness ahead of the Wembley final against Manchester City.
Carragher emphasized this context in his prediction: “You’ll see squad players get a run-out, some younger lads perhaps. The priority is not here, it’s what comes next — and both managers will be fully aware of that.”
Neville added, “For fans expecting fireworks, this might not be it. It’s a game of management, not momentum. Spurs might have more to prove after a poor league campaign, but no one’s going all in here.”
With both sides focused on glory ahead, the Tottenham vs Crystal Palace fixture may feel subdued — but it remains a critical piece in the puzzle as the two clubs gear up for potentially historic achievements.