Tottenham are set to welcome Brentford on Thursday in the Premier League. The home side had their previous game postponed over the weekend owing to the weather conditions. Can Tottenham make it two wins on the row in the Premier League?
While an away win at Burnley would have inspired confidence in his side after their embarrassing loss in the Europa Conference League, Antonio Conte’s men ultimately went back home without having played the game as the weather conditions made it impossible for the match to start. Although, the situation could be advantageous for Tottenham, as they have had more days of preparation and rest than their opponents, Brentford. The previous game against Leeds was also Conte’s first Premier League home game as Spurs’ manager, a game that ended in a 2-1 victory for his side. Tottenham have been inconsistent this season and have been unable to build upon their wins, a scenario that Conte would be looking to fix as his side squares up against Brentford. Spurs are placed seventh in the league with six wins, one draw, and five losses in 12 matches. Cristian Romero will remain sidelined for the match. Giovani Lo Celso is also doubtful to make an appearance.
In the previous match against Leeds, Tottenham came from behind to earn a 2-1 victory. Daniel James scored before the break to provide Leeds with the advantage, however, second-half goals from Hojbjerg and Regulion inspired a come-back, sealing the win for Tottenham. They had a marginally better xG than Leeds. Lucas Moura made nine dribbles. Eric Dier made 10 passes to the final third and won four aerial duels.
Conte would be looking to solve Tottenham’s issues in finding the back of the net. The attacking duo of Kane and Son have been underwhelming so far this season. Tottenham’s 11 goals this season are joint second-lowest in the league, while they are also averaging less than one goal per match.
After a bright start to the season, Brentford suffered a slump in their form. Before the game against Everton, the Bees were winless in their previous five matches. Although, they were able to bounce back in front of the home crowd against Everton. The win against Everton was Brentford’s first in the Premier League since early October. As a result, they are placed 11th in the league with four wins, four draws, and five losses in 13 games. Despite their recent slump, Thomas Frank’s men have been impressive, considering that they have been newly promoted to the English top flight. They have also had to contend with multiple injuries to their prominent starting XI players. Rico Henry and Sergi Canos were substituted in the game against Everton, although they should be available for the upcoming game. Kristoffer Ayer, Josh Dasilva and David Raya will remain sidelined.
Brentford were on the back foot for the majority of the match against Everton. However, Ivan Toney’s calmly dispatched penalty was sufficient to hand his side the victory. They were defensively well organized and were able to absorb the pressure from Everton’s attack till the final whistle.
Brentford are placed at the fifth spot in the league in terms of shots on target from inside the penalty box, while they also average more than two shots from inside the penalty box per match. This indicates that they have been able to get in between the opposition’s defensive line frequently.
Predicted XI
Tottenham (3-4-3) – Lloris; Sanchez, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Reguilon; Lucas, Kane, Son.
Brentford (3-5-2) – Fernandez; Goode, Pinnock, Jansson; Canos, Norgaard, Onyeka, Janelt, Henry; Toney, Wissa.
Prediction
Tottenham will have the advantage going into the match owing to the extra days of preparation and rest that they were afforded. In addition, Brentford have multiple injury concerns. Tottenham should be able to secure three points at home.
