Since 2019, the writer has been a key contributor for Cartilage Free Captain while also covering the Michigan Wolverines for Maize n Brew. With past experiences at SB Nation’s Pride Of Detroit and Bless You Boys, they are well-versed in sports analysis.
Tottenham Hotspur seems to have discovered a strategy to secure victories, even if they are not pretty, as evidenced by their recent match against Crystal Palace. After a minor setback against Nottingham Forest, Spurs impressed with a crucial away win, placing them just four points behind the fifth position as they head into the new year with optimism.
Brentford, facing Tottenham on January 1, has also shown resilience, collecting seven points from their last three matches since losing to Spurs less than a month ago. This surge is partially due to the quality of their opponents, but Spurs should not dismiss the significance of “easy” points as they seek to build on their recent success.
The upcoming match is scheduled for Thursday, January 1, at 3:00 PM ET (8:00 PM UK) at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, with coverage on NBCSN, Peacock in the US, and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK. Currently, Brentford sits tied for ninth with 26 points, while Tottenham is in thirteenth with 25 points.
In their last encounter, Tottenham delivered its strongest league performance in some time, boasting an expected goals (xG) ratio of 2.2 to 0.2. This dominant display enabled Spurs to extend their winning streak against Brentford to four matches, regardless of the managerial changes.
Fans should keep an eye on potential squad changes, specifically regarding Archie Gray, who has made a significant impact by starting in seven of the last eight matches and recently scoring his first goal. If Spurs maintain their lineup, Gray’s form could be key against Brentford, where he performed admirably previously.
At the forefront, Richarlison has been the primary striker for Tottenham this season. Although he leads the team in goals, his position is not firmly secure, especially with Dominic Solanke on the comeback trail, which may affect Richarlison’s starting role.
Saturday’s match was a revelation for Frank against his former team, emphasizing direct play that showcased talents like Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus. Brentford will look to adapt after their loss while maintaining their recent positive momentum of scoring six goals and conceding just one in their last two weeks of play.
As Tottenham prepares to face a motivated Brentford team, the match promises excitement. Spurs will need to absorb pressure well while capitalizing on their opportunities, particularly with Richarlison needing to find his scoring touch once again. The combination of Brentford’s surge and Tottenham’s recent victory could result in a thrilling contest, suggesting it may not end in another tight scoreline.