Crystal Palace v Tottenham Prediction: Three stats-based tips at Selhurst Park

The Premier League returns from the international break and we start off the weekend in the capital. Tottenham are away in a London derby against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace, I’m sure the ex Arsenal captain will be “gunning” to get the victory here against one of his old rivals.

Two new managers in both dugouts for this London derby. Nuno's start couldn’t have gone any better, a victory against the champions and then another against his former side which was followed by another 1-0 win which has them sitting at the top of the table. Vieira is transforming Palace into a different way of playing and they can take great confidence coming into this one as they came from behind twice to draw away from home versus an in-form West Ham.

Tottenham have hit over 12.5 shots in two of their three games and with the confirmation of Harry Kane staying and after his goal midweek for England the talisman could certainly add to those numbers versus a Palace side who are still very much under transition.

Spurs' team tackles has landed in two of the three Tottenham games this season and Crystal Palace's opponents have also seen this hit in two of the three.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the one set to start on the right of the midfield three if you like for Tottenham. This puts him up against Zaha who he will be keen to get stuck into. He made three and four tackles in his two games versus Palace last season and that was when predominately positioned on the left hand side!

I expect shots from Tottenham which increases the likelihood of goal kicks for Palace. But i also expect Tottenham to take the lead and play on the counter which sees the possibility of Tottenham having goal kicks of their own.

With the possibility of tackles as covered in the bet above, the increased likelihood of a card also arrives for Hojbjerg. The combative Dane will be looking to leave an early mark on Zaha.

Kouyate back in central midfield this season could see himself being caught out against a dangerous looking Tottenham side on the counter attack. Tottenham have had four midfielders booked against them in the league and Europe this season already.