Spurs vs Palace - Tim's preview

Tim Sherwood says patience is key as we take on Crystal Palace at the Lane on Saturday.

Palace have enjoyed a revival following the arrival of former Stoke boss Tony Pulis on November 23.

They beat Hull that day – although Keith Millen was still in temporary charge – and have won three of nine matches in the Premier League since. That has lifted them to 18th in the table but they are within striking distance of the teams directly above – they are just six points adrift of Hull in 10th.

We go into the game with three wins and a draw in Premier League action over the Festive period, our last outing a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

After a spell of six games in 17 days since taking over, Head Coach Tim has been able to spend time with the players on the training pitch this week.

“It’s been a good week, first of all for the players to have a little rest, and then to have more time on the training field to put across a few more of the ideas we’re trying to implement for the long-term. It’s been a productive week,” he said.

“I think the lads done brilliantly over the Festive period with a small squad and gradually we’re getting players back into training. There will be a few more back in contention tomorrow as well.”

Tim feels Palace have showed ‘great character’ under Pulis.

“We know it will be tough and what to expect,” he added. “They won’t come and take the game to us, so we’ll have to be patient and try to break them down.

“We have to be a little more inventive in and around the penalty area and that’s something I think we’ve been lacking in the games I’ve been in charge. I’m hoping we can break them down and if we can get an early goal, we should move forward in a positive direction from there.

“Tony is a winner and he wants his teams to compete. As I said, we have to be patient and solid at the back and we will go out to win the game from the first minute.”