Tottenham vs Crystal Palace preview: Emmanuel Adebayor returns to face Spurs

A look ahead to the FA Cup fixture at White Hart Lane

Emmanuel Adebayor (GETTY IMAGES)

It’s a big game for…

Emmanuel Adebayor: The former Tottenham striker returns to his former club, whom he was released by back in September, having scored only twice in 17 appearances for Spurs last season. And now Adebayor has it all to prove for Crystal Palace, having signed a short-term deal at Selhurst Park until the end of the season, having scored one goal in three appearances to date.

Best stat…

7: In five FA Cup meetings between Tottenham and Crystal Palace, Spurs failed to score in any of the first three encounters, but have netted a total of seven in their last two encounters.

Remember when…

Palace will be keen to forget last month’s Premier League encounter at Selhurst Park against Tottenham. Dele Alli struck on the volley to give Spurs the lead for the first time in the match, during a 3-1 away win.

Player to watch…

Son Heung-min: With some key players to be rested by Tottenham this weekend - after their Europa League exploits – Son will be the one to watch. The South Korean has shown he has the ability to score the goals to turn draws into wins this season – netting the only goal in Spurs’ league victory over Palace in September – and Son is an exciting talent who could be vital in seeing Tottenham into the sixth round.

Past three-meetings…

Crystal Palace 1 (Vertonghen OG) Tottenham 3 (Kane, Alli, Chadli), Premier League, January 2016

Tottenham 1 (Son) Crystal Palace 0, Premier League, September 2015

Crystal Palace 2 (Gayle, Puncheon) Tottenham 1 (Kane), Premier League, January 2015

Form guide…

Tottenham: WWWWWW

Crystal Palace: LLWLDL

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 3.00pm

TV: Highlights on BBC 1, Saturday 10.35pm