Tottenham v Brentford – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Tottenham host Brentford Spurs have lost seven of their last 11 league matches, while the Bees have won just three of their last 16 away games in the league. Brentford have lost only one of their last five meetings with Tottenham, with three ending in draws.

Spurs Form

Spurs have struggled to find consistent form for some time. They ended last season with five losses in their final seven league matches, and this campaign has started with two defeats in the first four EPL fixtures. They drew 1-1 at Leicester on matchday one after holding a 1-0 lead and 70% possession.

A convincing home victory against Everton followed, but they lost 2-1 at Newcastle despite having 20 shots. They also suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal, despite outshooting their rivals 15-7. In midweek, they trailed 1-0 at Coventry until scoring two late goals to secure a 2-1 win in the Carabao Cup.

Spurs Team News

Manager Ange Postecoglou is likely to be without Richarlison and Wilson Odobert for this match. Timo Werner is also a 50-50 doubt, which depletes Tottenham’s attacking options. Yves Bissouma is a question mark due to a minor groin issue.

Rodrigo Bentancur has not yet been banned by the FA for using a racial slur, so he could start. James Maddison and Heung-Min Son, who were partially rested in midweek, are expected to return to the starting lineup.

Spurs Motivation

Spurs will approach the game with their usual style, as they typically stick to one game plan. They tend to struggle against teams that defend deep.

Postecoglou’s side will view anything less than a win as a poor result.

Brentford Form

Brentford’s 2024 form has been inconsistent. At one point, they lost 12 of 15 league matches, but they then went unbeaten in five games before finishing last season slowly (LDWL). This season began with a 2-1 home win over Crystal Palace.

After losing 2-0 away to Liverpool, they won 1-0 at Colchester United in a Carabao Cup tie. They then registered 20 shots and 2.78 xG in a 3-1 home win against Southampton, but lost 2-1 to Man City last weekend. In midweek, they beat a ten-man Leyton Orient side 3-1 at home despite resting several players.

Brentford Team News

Brentford have several injury concerns. Fullbacks Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey are sidelined with long-term injuries. Striker Igor Thiago is also out long-term, and Yoane Wissa was injured against Man City.

Midfielders Josh Dasilva and Mathias Jensen are not expected to feature. Kevin Schade could replace Wissa in attack. Thomas Frank may again field four central defenders across the back line.

Brentford Motivation

In most big games, coach Thomas Frank switches to a back five, but he maintained a back four against Man City, so he may do the same here.

Brentford may follow Arsenal’s approach by ceding possession to Spurs. A draw would be a good result, but they will also aim to win through counterattacks and set pieces.

Key Stats

Tottenham have seen over 2.5 goals in 20 of their last 25 EPL matches.

Tottenham have conceded in 31 of their last 36 matches (59 goals conceded).

Spurs have lost 7 of their last 11 EPL matches.

Brentford have lost just 1 of their last 5 clashes against Spurs (1 win, 3 draws).

Brentford have lost 12 of their last 16 away EPL matches.

Verdict

This is expected to be a very close match. Brentford have every chance of taking a point, and it’s hard to see Spurs winning by more than one goal, even if they do win.