Verdict: Kevin Schade Over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
With London bragging rights up for grabs on Thursday night, Brentford will welcome Tottenham to the Gtech.
Brentford
Starting with the hosts, while many around west London might have been shocked over the summer following Keith Andrews’ appointment in west London, Brentford are enjoying what has been a stellar campaign at the Gtech. Last seen putting in a rampant festive performance as they stormed their way to a 4-1 romp at home against Bournemouth, the Bees have secured consecutive Premier League victories and the mood in Andrews’ camp should be at a red-hot high. Finding a route into the top-half of the Premier League standings, Brentford will be confident of claiming London bragging rights here. It should also be noted, Thursday’s hosts have gained a fearsome reputation for their dominance in west London. In fact, the Bees have registered 20 points from their nine Premier League showdowns in west London so far this season.
Brentford Team News
Undergoing knee surgery back in November, Brentford have already confirmed that former Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho is set to miss the remainder of the campaign with a long-term knee injury. Both featuring at this month’s AFCON, Frank Onyeka and Dango Ouattara will miss out on Thursday night.
Notching 11 Premier League goals this season and with his stock at a red-hot high, attacking talisman Igor Thiago will play a leading role in the final third. Given a speedy festive turnaround, summer recruit and England international Jordan Henderson could be handed a full recall.
Tottenham
As for the visitors, putting in a gritty performance last weekend as they secured a stellar 1-0 victory away at Crystal Palace, Tottenham will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. However, despite securing a first domestic victory outside of north London since the end of October, Thomas Frank has found some increasing pressure on his shoulders and the former Brentford boss will be bracing himself for a stern examination when he return to the Gtech on Thursday night. Still sat in the bottom-half of the Premier League standings, Tottenham should be excited by a dominant record against their London rivals. Landing a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Brentford across the capital for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 6th, Spurs have won all of their previous four consecutive meetings by an aggregate score of 10-3.
Tottenham Team News
Shown a straight red card against Liverpool on December 20th, big-money summer recruit Xavi Simons will once again miss out through suspension here. However, serving how own respective one-match ban against Crystal Palace last weekend, Cristian Romero should make a full return at the heart of Frank’s defence.
Although Brazilian international Richarlison might have seen a pair of goals ruled out by VAR last weekend, the former Everton striker should keep his spot lead the line. Yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, James Maddison remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury.
Brentford vs Tottenham Key Factors to Consider
- When Brentford and Tottenham met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 6th, Spurs collected a 2-0 victory in north London.
- In fact, Tottenham have won all of their previous four consecutive meetings by an aggregate score of 10-3.
- Brentford have registered 20 points from their first nine Premier League showdowns at the Gtech.
- Brazilian marksman Igor Thiago has registered 11 Premier League goals so far this season.
- The Bees have recorded just a single clean sheet at the Gtech since back in April.
Conclusion
Claiming a much-welcomed boost last weekend as they secured a gritty 1-0 victory away at Crystal Palace, Tottenham will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. However, meeting a Brentford squad that has rightfully gained a fearsome reputation for their extended dominance on home soil, Frank will be bracing himself for a tricky test when he returns to west London on Thursday night. With the Bees gaining a reputation for their lively battles at the Gtech, neutrals will be hoping for another Premier League thriller in midweek.
Verdict: Kevin Schade Over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
