Roma and Udinese can both turn a midfield recovery into a box entry, but their recent endings have differed. Roma have kept making chances through wide service and second contacts with new creators in the chain. Udinese have reached Davis and Zaniolo without turning enough of those moves into goals. Tottenham and Palace also have two live routes, with the size of any Spurs lead depending on a further clean finish.
Roma's Soulé and Mora have connected with Malen after the absences of Dybala and Pellegrini, including in their last match. Their wingbacks can pin Udinese's wide players and put pressure on a back line that recently allowed strong chances to Milan and Lecce. Udinese's Davis and Zaniolo both played at Parma, while their coach says they are below full condition; Solet missed that match and the coach says he will miss this one too. Roma's listed creative absences were already present when its current scoring moves worked. Udinese can reach the area from a dead ball or early outlet, but Roma have the stronger repeated finish. That's why I'm siding with AS Roma to win.
Spurs can escape through central receivers and release Kudus, yet their recent multi-goal wins came from fewer clean open-play chances than the scores suggest. Palace can use Wharton to find Mateta or a wide runner and make Spurs defend the next transition. Mateta was deliberately rested in the cup, Wharton played limited minutes, and Henderson played the full cup game after a doubtful flag; Sarr remains out. Maddison and Udogie are available for Spurs, although their full workloads are uncertain. Palace's league outlet and goalkeeper are in place for a close contest, while Spurs need another decisive finish to pull clear. That's why I'm siding with Crystal Palace.
