Tottenham vs Brentford Prediction & Match Preview
Following their exit from the FA Cup last week, Tottenham Hotspur resumes their Premier League campaign on Wednesday, facing off against their London counterparts, Brentford.
Despite having triumphed in all five prior encounters at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs were poised to relinquish that streak, settling instead for an FA Cup rematch last week.
However, Man City emerged victorious in the clubs’ fourth-round tie, courtesy of Nathan Ake’s contentious late goal, leaving Ange Postecoglou’s squad with solely the Premier League to focus on for the remainder of the season.
As their 16-year silverware drought persists, Spurs now shift their focus to maintaining proximity to the top four while fending off challengers such as Manchester United, who secured a 2-2 draw earlier this month. Despite trailing twice, Tottenham showcased resilience with goals from Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur, though their last league triumph dates back to New Year’s Eve.
Despite being shut out by City, Spurs boast a remarkable record of scoring in each of their last 33 top-flight matches, marking the club’s lengthiest streak in league history and the fourth-best run in the Premier League era. Additionally, they have only suffered one defeat in their last nine league encounters against Brentford ahead of this week’s home fixture, notwithstanding their loss in the corresponding fixture last season.
After succumbing to Spurs in their inaugural Premier League clash in late 2021, Brentford has since remained undefeated in their last four meetings, including a notable 3-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in May.
Tottenham vs Brentford Team News
Ange Postecoglou faces the absence of three key players, with skipper Son Heung-min representing South Korea in the Asian Cup, while midfield duo Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Injuries sideline Alejo Veliz, Manor Solomon, and Giovani Lo Celso, although fans welcomed James Maddison’s return from an ankle injury, as he made a substitute appearance last week after being sidelined since November. Ben Davies also returned to the bench.
Despite Maddison’s imminent push for a starting role, Postecoglou may opt for a familiar starting XI on Wednesday, with the prolific Richarlison leading the frontline. Richarlison has notably scored six goals in his last six Premier League appearances, equaling his tally from the previous 47 matches, with eight of his 10 goal involvements this season occurring in his last seven home fixtures.
Meanwhile, Brentford’s offensive efforts will be spearheaded by Ivan Toney, who made an immediate impact upon his return against Nottingham Forest.
Recent loan signing Sergio Reguilon is ineligible to face his parent club, while Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey are among several players sidelined with injuries. Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade, and Christian Norgaard remain unavailable, with Yoane Wissa, Saman Ghoddos, and Frank Onyeka on international duty.
Although Brentford reportedly secured a £25 million deal for Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa, the Norwegian international will remain on loan at his former club for the remainder of the season.
Possible Starting Lineups
Spurs: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Johnson, Kulusevski, Werner; Richarlison
Brentford: Flekken; Collins, Pinnock, Mee; Roerslev, Janelt, Jensen, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter; Toney, Maupay