Crystal Palace believes one factor could give Tottenham Hotspur the edge against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Spurs are in freefall in the Premier League, having won just one of their last eight games in the competition.
Captain Cristian Romero and midfielder Xavi Simons are both suspended for Tottenham following their red cards against Liverpool.
In addition, Spurs have five players out injured, while Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma are away at the African Cup of Nations.
Chris Sutton predicts the result of Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Sutton suggested that Tottenham may be at an advantage since the Eagles’ squad is stretched thin at the moment.
Oliver Glasner’s men had a touch EFL Cup clash at the Emirates on Tuesday, with Arsenal emerging victorious on penalties.
The former Celtic striker has backed Thomas Frank’s men, who have had a full week to prepare for the clash, to emerge with a point from South London.
Sutton told BBC Sport: “Crystal Palace have been feeling the effects of a heavy schedule, and at the moment their squad seems really stretched.
That’s the main reason I am thinking Tottenham might get something at Selhurst Park and, let’s face it, Thomas Frank really needs to.
“Frank must be hoping the way his team played with nine men against Liverpool can kick-start his side’s season, but I’m not sure that will happen. I am certainly not going to back them to win this one, but I am hardly confident about Palace’s chances either. Prediction: 0-0.”
Thomas Frank needs Spurs to avoid defeat
Palace are always competitive at home and will pose a massive challenge to a depleted Spurs side, which is extremely short of confidence.
Another heavy defeat for the Lilywhites, like the one they suffered in their last away game at Nottingham Forest, may spell doom for Frank.
Reports indicate that Tottenham have already started looking for possible replacements for Frank, and it is difficult to see how the Dane can recover from another chastening loss.