Tottenham have a secret weapon for Crystal Palace Premier League clash - it's not Mathys Tel

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Conor Gallagher could be the Lilywhites' secret weapon when they host Crystal Palace in Thursday's Premier League London derby.

The one-time Eagles loanee has largely struggled to make the desired impact since his £40m January arrival from Atletico Madrid, which also made him the highest-paid player in the current Tottenham squad.

Gallagher has provided one assist in seven appearances for Spurs across all competitions, but he only lasted 58 minutes in Sunday's 2-1 loss to Fulham and 62 minutes in the 4-1 North London derby drubbing at the hands of Arsenal.

The England international has nevertheless retained the faith of Igor Tudor - whose high-energy system would ostensibly suit Gallagher's playstyle - but it remains to be seen if he makes the first XI against Palace.

Pape Sarr is a worthy candidate to come into the engine room, but Gallagher has a particularly pleasing personal record on his side when it comes to Thursday's all-capital clash.

Why Conor Gallagher could be Tottenham's secret weapon against Crystal Palace

The former Chelsea lynchpin has scored four Premier League goals against Crystal Palace during his career, his highest total against a single opponent in the competition.

Gallagher netted his first goal against Palace while on loan at West Bromwich Albion during the 2020-21 season, scoring the Baggies' consolation strike in a 5-1 defeat to the West London club.

Following his successful 2021-22 loan spell and return to Stamford Bridge for the 2022-23 season, Gallagher also scored a 90th-minute winner for Chelsea in a 2-1 Selhurst Park victory that year.

The 26-year-old then struck a brace at the same venue during a 3-1 victory in February 2024, and his four goals against Palace is his highest total against a single club regardless of competition.

The two changes Igor Tudor should make for Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace

Gallagher certainly has a case to start Thursday's London derby given his standout record against Crystal Palace, but Tudor should not shy away from making a couple of alterations elsewhere on the pitch.

Randal Kolo Muani did not cut the mustard against Fulham after scoring in the North London derby, while Dominic Solanke also struggled to make his presence felt in the final third.

However, Richarlison came off the bench to score his eighth Premier League goal of the season at Craven Cottage - at least double that of any other Spurs player - while Mathys Tel shone during his cameo too.

Whether Tudor goes for a 3-4-1-2, 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2 shape, Richarlison and Tel have earned the right to work in tandem up front, but whether they will is another question entirely.