Here is how Tottenham could line up against Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur face another quick turnaround with a home game against Brentford on Saturday lunchtime. It will be a special occasion for Thomas Frank as he welcomes his former employers Brentford in a much-anticipated London derby.
Spurs ended their run of three straight defeats on Tuesday night, with Cristian Romero scoring a stoppage-time equaliser against Newcastle United at St James’ Park. Despite earning the 2-2 draw at the death, Thomas Frank’s side remain winless in five Premier League games – last tasting a victory against Everton away back in October.
The Danish coach finds himself under real pressure heading into the game against Brentford. The 52-year-old is desperate to get the Lilywhites out of this rut and give himself some breathing space after poor results for over a month now. However, given their woes at home, beating the Bees would be a challenge. That said, here is how Tottenham could line up against Brentford.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Brentford
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario has not had an easy time at Tottenham of late. He made a blunder against Fulham last weekend, and the Tottenham fans piled on him after that. They booed and jeered every time he touched the ball or cleared it, which did not go down well with Thomas Frank.
The Italian goalkeeper had a steady game against Newcastle, but the real challenge lies in performing in front of the home fans. It will be intriguing to see how Vicario is received at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Defence: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence
Following a quick turnaround, Frank is expected to rotate his squad. Micky van de Ven was a surprise omission last time out, with Kevin Danso starting and partnering skipper Cristian Romero in central defence. While Danso silently had a good game, we expect Van de Ven to return to the starting XI against Brentford.
Destiny Udogie endured a poor outing in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle, losing possession several times and not providing enough going forward. Frank may decide to bench Udogie here and hand Djed Spence a start at left-back. Meanwhile, Romero and Pedro Porro should retain their spots in defence.
Midfield: Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall, Xavi Simons
The midfield trio of Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr got outsmarted and outworked for large periods by Newcastle. Bergvall was an exception as he tried his best to drive the team forward and link up with the attackers in the final third. Perhaps, the young Swede could keep his place in the team on Saturday.
For the remaining two spots in midfield, Joao Palhinha appears likely to be recalled into the starting XI. To combat Brentford’s physicality and threat from set-plays, a player of Palhinha’s experience and defensive prowess is very much required in the team. After being benched for several games, Xavi Simons may finally get an opportunity to start and exert his influence in Tottenham’s play in the final third.
Bentancur and Sarr will drop to the bench after their midweek exertions in Tyneside.
Attack: Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert
Freshening up the attack is vital too, meaning we could witness Randal Kolo Muani and Brennan Johnson make way for Richarlison and Wilson Odobert, respectively. Richarlison and Odobert, if selected, must be raring to make a mark and test the Brentford defenders with their directness and pace.
Mohammed Kudus was among the rare bright spots against Newcastle and notably delivered the assist for Romero’s header at near post. Creative, strong and industrious, the Ghanaian will be key in unlocking the well-drilled Brentford rearguard.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup vs. Brentford (4-3-3): Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Djed Spence; Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall; Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert.
