Tottenham have no idea how to win games of football, but they'd ought to ditch their amnesia when Crystal Palace come to town on Thursday night.
Igor Tudor's arrival hasn't yet had the desired effect, with the Croatian overseeing back-to-back defeats at the start of his tenure. Still, Palace's visit presents a big opportunity for this broken squad.
I maintain the belief that merely one win could make all the difference. Our winless run dates back to the end of December, and the threat of relegation is real. Victory on Thursday, no matter how it arrives, could alleviate such fears.
Tudor isn't expected to welcome any players back midweek, with Spurs poised for another extended break until they're next in Premier League action as a result of the upcoming FA Cup slate.
Here's how the Lilywhites could line up against the Eagles.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs. Crystal Palace (3-4-1-2)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK)—Statistically, Vicario has been one of the worst goalkeepers in the Premier League this season. The glory days of 2023/24 feel like a lifetime ago. Still, he remains our No. 1.
Kevin Danso (CB)—Danso played just a few minutes on Sunday against Fulham but should be ready for a return to the starting lineup on Thursday.
Radu Drăgușin (CB)—Assuming Tudor sticks with a back three (perhaps unwisely), Drăgușin will likely remain at the heart of it. Hopefully, this is the Romanian's final appearance in lilywhite.
Micky van de Ven (CB)—Van de Ven has struggled in Cristian Romero's absence as of late, with the Dutchman among those who don't seem up for the fight. Let's hope we see something different midweek.
Midfielders
Pedro Porro (RWB)—Porro's return didn't pay immediate dividends, but the Spaniard tends to enjoy his outings against Palace. The Spaniard offers this team some much-needed technical quality out wide.
Yves Bissouma (CM)—I'm not sure what direction Tudor will turn in midfield, but Bissouma has started both of the games overseen by the Croatian.
Pape Matar Sarr (CM)—Sarr was pretty good in the second half on Sunday, and he should be included over Conor Gallagher if Tudor is picking between the two. Gallagher hasn't settled at all since joining the club in January.
João Souza (LWB)—Tudor spoke positively of the young Brazilian ahead of Thursday's game, and I think his inclusion is necessary from a tactical perspective.
Forwards
Xavi Simons (AM)—After a poor couple of showings, Tottenham need the very best of their creative Dutchman against the stubborn Eagles. The away side are set to dig in, and moments of attacking inspiration must be supplied by the Puma boots of Xavi.
Dominic Solanke (ST)—Toss-up between Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani, for me. Either could find themselves in Tudor's frontline after both struggled to have an influence at Craven Cottage.
Richarlison (ST)—Turn to your fighters, Igor. Richarlison cares, and a little bit of passion is a valuable currency at this juncture.