Tottenham v Brentford – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Tottenham host Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Saturday’s early kickoff. The sides are separated by just four points Spurs have lost four of their last six matches whilst the Bees have three wins in their last four. They’re without top scorer Ivan Toney due to a suspension.

Spurs Form

Spurs’ form is dire. A fortunate 2-1 home win made it five unbeaten in the league, but they have been on a terrible run since then. A last-minute 3-2 loss at home to Bournemouth preceded a disgraceful 6-1 loss at Newcastle as they trailed 5-0 after 21 minutes. Their performances improved in the next two, firstly coming from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Man Utd at home.

A 4-3 loss at Liverpool followed having come from 3-0 down to 3-3. After a 1-0 home win against Crystal Palace, where they only produced 0.88 xG, they lost 2-1 at Villa Park. They didn’t have a single shot in the first half and had only produced 0.58 xG before Harry Kane netting a 90th-minute penalty.

Spurs Team News

Ryan Mason remains without Rodrigo Bentancur in midfield. Yves Bissouma is fit again and could start in preference to Oliver Skipp. Hugo Lloris is absent in goal for this one, whilst Eric Dier requires a late fitness test.

Dejan Kulusevski could be recalled in preference to Richarlison in attack. Spurs have been using Emerson Royal on the right of a back three with Pedro Porro in front of him. Despite the poor performance at Aston Villa, Mason is expected to stick with that setup.

Spurs Motivation

Spurs are just four points above Brentford. A defeat here and they could even be at risk of finishing ninth.

A win here would see them stay in the Europa League spot, and they could still finish as high as sixth to vaguely rescue their poor season.

Brentford Form

The Bees were on an incredible run of one loss in 16 matches before losing 1-0 at Man Utd a few weeks back. Subsequent losses followed at home to Newcastle and away to Wolves. A late goal conceded saw them draw 1-1 at home to Aston Villa, extending their winless run to six matches. The side have since refocused and are ending the season in strong form.

They went to Stamford Bridge and beat Chelsea 2-0 before two late goals to beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 at home. A resounding 1-0 loss at Liverpool came next, as they allowed 2.24 xG and only put up 0.20 xG themselves. They absolutely dominated a heavily-rotated West Ham last week, winning 2-0 at home with 24 shots and 3.70 Expected Goals.

Brentford Team News

Key striker Ivan Toney is banned for eight months for betting offences. Yoane Wissa is set to start in his place. Pontus Jansson is absent in defence and Christian Norgaard is set to miss out in midfield. As with all games against the big six, coach Thomas Frank must decide between a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2 shape.

Mathias Jørgensen could come into the team as an extra centre-back. Young winger Kevin Schade would drop to the bench in the attack. Wissa and Bryan Mbuemo would form a front two.

Brentford Motivation

The Bees have been good in recent weeks and still seem fully focused on the matches ahead.

They will play to win this match as a struggling Tottenham. A direct game is likely even without Toney up front. They will focus on set plays, long throws, and quick counters where possible.

Key Stats

Tottenham have lost 4 of their last 6 matches

Spurs have won 12 of their 18 home league matches

Spurs’ last 10 EPL matches have seen 42 goals (19 scored, 23 conceded)

Brentford have won 3 of their last 4 matches

Brentford have won just 4 away matches in the EPL this season

Verdict

This match could go any of the three ways. Brentford are in very good form but talisman Ivan Toney is absent. Spurs are struggling but they have a reasonable home record this term. This isn’t the easiest match to bet on.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score + Over 2.5 goals at 2.10

Goalscorer Tip: Kane to score 2 or more goals at 5.00

Alternative Bet: Tottenham win at 1.83

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis