Brentford vs Tottenham: Preview, predictions and lineups

Tottenham are aiming to put to an end their woeful Premier League slump when they face Brentford in west London on Sunday afternoon.

Last weekend’s home defeat to Leicester represented another nadir in a bitterly disappointing season for the Lilywhites, although a semblance of hope returned to N17 after Thursday night’s 3-0 win over Elfsborg. Three academy starlets were on the scoresheet as Ange Postecoglou’s side booked their place in the Europa League round of 16.

Their success in the cups has offered the manager respite, but Spurs simply have to start picking up points in the Premier League to avoid getting sucked into the relegation scrap. They currently sit 15th.

Brentford haven’t had to enjoy the rigours of european football in the new year, and have seen their form complete a U-turn in recent weeks. Once formidable at home and incompetent on the road, the Bees are unbeaten in three games away from the Gtech and haven’t claimed victory in west London since 7 December.

Their up-and-down form means they sit comfortably in mid-table, with their chances of claiming a first-ever european berth remote.

Here is 90min’s guide to Sunday’s Premier League clash.

Brentford vs Tottenham head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Brentford’s once-lengthy injury list has shortened as of late, but Sunday’s hosts are still without Ethan Pinnock at the heart of their defence.

Aaron Hickey, Gustavo Gomes, Igor Thiago, and Josh Dasilva are longer-term absentees.

Reported Tottenham transfer target Yoane Wissa is expected to start in tandem with Bryan Mbeumo, although Frank could opt for a front three also including Kevin Schade. Mikkel Damsgaard has enjoyed an excellent season up to this point and will operate as Brentford’s chief playmaker in the middle of the park.

Brentford predicted lineup vs Tottenham (4-3-3): Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Mee, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade.

The kids got the business done in midweek, but it’d be a surprise to see any of them included in Sunday’s starting XI – even Mikey Moore. We’ll likely see a front three of Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, and Son Heung-min in west London.

James Maddison is Tottenham’s latest injury casualty and is expected to miss the next couple of weeks, but Spurs have been boosted by the return of Micky van de Ven. He’ll start alongside Archie Gray this weekend with Radu Dragusin ruled out.

Cristian Romero’s recovery was described as a “slow burner” by Postecoglou ahead of the Elfsborg game, so he’s not back yet. Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, and Timo Werner are also sidelined.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3): Kinsky; Spence, Gray, Van de Ven, Davies; Bissouma, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son.

Thursday night was a feel-good outing for Spurs, who desperately needed it after succumbing to a bad Leicester team last weekend. They didn’t have to exert themselves too much either, and Van de Ven’s impact on his return was distinct.

Spurs seem better placed to compete with an awkward Brentford team this weekend compared to a week ago, and the Bees’ recent slump at home may be of some concern for Thomas Frank.

The hosts’ commonsensical approach regularly troubles the big boys, and although Spurs have functioned like anything but one of the division’s best this season, Brentford will still have the bit between their teeth to topple a so-called ‘big six’ member. Many will back the Bees to prevail here, but Van de Ven’s inclusion could be enough to earn the visitors a point. He’s that important.

Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Tottenham

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