Tottenham vs Brentford Preview: Key Battles, Form Guide & Match Prediction

This Saturday, Tottenham take on Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. This is a big match for both teams as they lie in similar positions in the Premier League table. Tottenham are eleventh in the league compared to Brentford, who are thirteenth. Despite their loss to Arsenal in their last match, Brentford are a well-organised team and do pose a threat based on their current form. Historically, Tottenham have had the upper hand in this fixture, and with it being a home game, are expected to win. However, recent results suggest Brentford come into this game as the slight favourite, as the Tottenham manager, Thomas Frank, struggles with a bad run of results.

Tactical analysis

Tottenham, particularly at home, want to dominate possession and look to build up through the flanks. Their build-up play aims to create chances through wide positions and combining mid-block passes.

Defensively, Spurs have struggled of late, conceding 11 goals in their last five games. Their recent form has been poor, losing to Chelsea at home, drawing with Manchester United at home, losing 4-1 away to Arsenal, losing at home to Fulham, and drawing 2-2 with Newcastle on Tuesday, showing that Frank is struggling to get the best out of this squad.

Brentford are a very well-organised, compact team that relies on quick transitions to score goals. Considering Tottenham’s recent poor defensive record, this is an area Brentford can look to exploit. Since Tottenham are at home, I expect them to have the majority of the possession and Brentford to sit back and absorb the pressure and try to hit Tottenham on the break, especially in the wider areas of the pitch where Tottenham tend to leave a lot of space.

Historical context

Tottenham have had the upper hand in this fixture. In their last eight meetings, Tottenham have won four, drawn three, and lost one. However, Tottenham enter this game with a poor run of form, and Brentford should fancy their chances.

Key Players to watch

Mohammed Kudus, with his superb technical ability, is a game-changer and Tottenham’s best player. Midfielders such as Bentancur and Palhinha must pass the ball to Kudus as early as possible, who has the highest number of assists in the team with five in the league.

Cristian Romero is the leader and engine of this Tottenham team, having scored twice to guarantee his team a draw against Newcastle in their last game.

Brentford striker Igor Thiago has played 14 games, scoring 11 goals, which shows he is in good form.

Jordan Henderson, the Brentford midfielder, is a leader on and off the pitch and is the club’s highest assist maker in the league with three.

Predictions

This will be a competitive game, as I expect both teams to score goals. However, this is a home game for Tottenham, and they should use the occasion to keep possession and create chances. Brentford will put up a fight, and with their discipline and threat on the break, this should be enough for them to secure a draw.