Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur predictions for the return of Premier League football this weekend. How will Spurs react to the departure of Harry Kane? Will they start the new season with a win in this London derby? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Sunday, 13th August at 2:00 pm In:
Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur Predictions
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The Dawn of a New Era: Tottenham Hotspur Faces Brentford Sans Kane
Key Stats
– Brentford remain undefeated in their last nine London derbies, winning the last four.
– Heung-min Son was Tottenham’s second-highest scorer last season with 10 goals.
Tottenham Hotspur find themselves stepping into a new chapter as they prepare for their Premier League opener against Brentford this Sunday. The overarching narrative is undeniably the departure of vice-captain and leading marksman, Harry Kane. Having set his sights on fresh challenges with Bayern Munich, Kane leaves a void, symbolising Tottenham’s recent periods of instability that saw them settling for an eighth-place finish in the previous season and an early Champions League exit.
New Leadership, Fresh Hopes
However, it’s not all bleak for the North London club. With Ange Postecoglou at the helm, a rejuvenated Spurs side looks to kickstart the 2023-24 season on a high. Bringing with him a storied history of success from Japan and Scotland, Postecoglou has ushered in new blood, with the likes of James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario, and Micky van de Ven joining the ranks.
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Although the shadow of Kane’s late exit loomed large in Tottenham’s recent friendly loss to Barcelona, where they were beaten 4-2, there’s optimism in the fact that the club has traditionally started the Premier League on a positive note, losing only once in their last seven opening matches.
Brentford’s Resilience
In contrast, Brentford, although lagging in their opening match record with only two victories in the last 11 seasons, have shown resilience in their recent Premier League debuts. Their surprise win against Arsenal in 2021 and a draw against Leicester City last season attest to their mettle. The Bees also displayed an impressive sprint in the latter part of the last season, stringing together a series of victories.
Their capital city encounters have particularly stood out, remaining undefeated in the last nine and securing victories in the previous four. Although historically Tottenham has had the upper hand in their encounters, Brentford will draw inspiration from their recent 3-1 victory against Spurs in May.
The Line-ups and Key Players
Brentford’s attacking spearhead, Ivan Toney, will be conspicuously absent, and their season’s prospects look challenging after a winless pre-season run. Bryan Mbeumo, the scorer in the recent Spurs triumph, is set to lead the attack for the Bees alongside Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are likely to field a potent attacking quartet consisting of James Maddison, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski, and Richarlison, with the latter shrugging off injury rumours.
The Dual Dance of Tottenham and Brentford
In the amphitheatre of the Premier League, we’ve often seen giants wrestle with newcomers. This tale is no different, as North London’s Tottenham Hotspur face Brentford. But what makes this fixture fascinating is not just the ebb and flow of attacking football but the intricacies in the styles, the players, and the managers at play.
The Offensive Ballet
Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham has been synonymous with one word: ‘adventure’. His Celtic roots bear testament to a side that was almost magnetised to the net, with matches averaging over 2.5 goals. Now, in the heart of London, the spirit hasn’t waned. Spurs’ pre-season games averagely saw 5.75 goals.
One can argue that the exit of Harry Kane might seem a blow. But in the corridors of North London, there’s a whisper that Richarlison could fill that void. After all, his pre-season performances, including a brace against Lion City Sailors, have raised eyebrows. Besides, with support from players like Heung-min Son and Rodrigo Bentancur, the offensive arsenal remains lethal.
Brentford, though deprived of their talisman, Ivan Toney, have showcased resilience. They scored in six of their final seven games last term, reflecting an innate capability to breach defences. Players like Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are expected to shoulder the offensive responsibility.
The Defensive Duets
Tottenham’s high-octane offence does come with a caveat — a porous defence. The statistics indicate a concession rate of almost two goals per match. The likes of Cristian Romero and Eric Dier need to marshall the backline more effectively. Postecoglou’s challenge would be to balance his adventurous setup without leaving gaps at the back.
Brentford, in contrast, displays more solidity. Their goal conceded per game stands at 1.2, and with standout performers like Ethan Pinnock and Ben Mee, the Bees seem more cohesive. David Raya between the sticks further enhances confidence.
The Maestros Behind the Scene
Ange Postecoglou’s influence on Tottenham is evident. The high-scoring matches, the fluid attack, and the sometimes-vulnerable defence are all hallmarks of his style. But as he navigates through the Premier League maze without Kane, his managerial acumen will be tested.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank, meanwhile, seems to have built a unit that’s a perfect blend of offence and defence. They’re a side that, even in the absence of key players, can grind out results — a testament to excellent management and tactics.
A Comparative Glance
When these two sides lock horns, it’s a clash of two philosophies. Tottenham’s focus is clear: attack with might but occasionally leave the door ajar. Brentford’s approach, on the other hand, is a more balanced dance, harmonising attack and defence.
In terms of individual brilliance, while Spurs might miss Kane, Brentford will feel the absence of Toney. However, both teams have players ready to step up, like Richarlison for Tottenham and Mbeumo for Brentford.
Opportunities for Refined Choreography
Tottenham could benefit from tightening their defence. The midfield, comprising players like Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, could play a pivotal role, providing the necessary defensive shield. Brentford, on the other hand, could exploit Tottenham’s occasional defensive lapses by employing swift counter-attacks, especially given their record of 20 counter-attacks last season.
Predictions: The Clash at Brentford
1. A Draw to Begin With
While Tottenham Hotspur appear to have an edge on paper, there’s an interesting historical context that can’t be overlooked. Their North London side have an impressive record when it comes to season openers, having lost only once in the past seven years. This statistic suggests that even amidst the departure of their talismanic striker, Harry Kane, Spurs are still not a team that crumbles under opening day pressure.
Brentford, on the other hand, while being the underdogs, have managed to make a considerable impact in their first two Premier League openers. Their memorable shocker against Arsenal and a draw against Leicester City are testament to their resilience. Moreover, the Bees have shown their mettle in London derbies, going unbeaten in their last nine. Given the historical precedent and Brentford’s form in such fixtures, there’s an intriguing case to be made for a draw.
2. 2-2 Final Scoreline
Both teams have exhibited a capacity to score and be scored upon. Tottenham, even without Kane, managed a whopping total of 70 goals last season. Their attacking frontline comprising of James Maddison, Heung-min Son, and Dejan Kulusevski can cause damage. The fact that Spurs conceded 63 goals last term, with an average of almost 2 goals per game, further amplifies the point that their defence has its vulnerabilities.
Brentford, although not as prolific as Spurs in the attacking department, managed to net 58 goals in their last season. Their recent 3-1 victory over Tottenham is a clear indication that they can find the back of the net against the big teams. Furthermore, with Bryan Mbeumo declared fit to face Spurs, they’re likely to get their chances upfront.
Both teams have a mixed defensive record, and when pitted against each other, a 2-2 scoreline seems a plausible outcome given the attacking talent on display and defensive frailties.
3. Mbeumo to Make His Mark
Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is no stranger to finding the back of the net against Tottenham. He scored in the recent 3-1 victory and is set to lead the line for the Bees in Ivan Toney’s absence. Recovered from his recent injury, Mbeumo would be raring to go, and given Tottenham’s defensive inconsistencies last season, it’s not beyond the realms of possibility for him to capitalise.
While Tottenham have a plethora of attacking options, Brentford’s recent defensive solidity in derbies makes it challenging to single out a Spurs goalscorer. Mbeumo, on the other hand, is the focal point for Brentford, and with a proven track record against Tottenham, he is our prime pick for a goalscorer in this fixture.
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