Tottenham predicted XI to face Brentford as key player returns, with two changes expected
How Tottenham could line up against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to build momentum in the Premier League when they travel to face Brentford on New Year’s Day, aiming to secure back-to-back league victories.
Spurs returned to winning ways on Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 success against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. While the performance lacked fluency, it proved effective and eased some of the pressure surrounding Thomas Frank. Teenage midfielder Archie Gray scored the decisive goal — the first senior strike of his career — to earn Tottenham three valuable points and move them up to 11th in the league table.
Tottenham also carry confidence from their previous meeting with Brentford, having claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory at home earlier in December. That result will further motivate Frank as he prepares to face his former club once again. However, the challenge is significant, with Brentford arriving in strong form, unbeaten in their last three matches and particularly impressive on home soil.
Below is how Tottenham are expected to set up for the encounter.
Goalkeeper
Guglielmo Vicario
Vicario recorded a rare clean sheet against Crystal Palace, producing a pair of important first-half saves. Shielded by a solid defensive display, the Italian registered his sixth shutout of the Premier League season and remains the undisputed choice between the posts.
Defence
Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence
Cristian Romero returns to the starting lineup after completing a one-match suspension and immediately reclaims his place at the heart of the defence. The Tottenham captain partners Micky van de Ven, with the pair tasked with containing Brentford’s attacking threat, including the dangerous Igor Thiago.
Pedro Porro lines up at right-back and faces a stern test against Kevin Schade, who arrives in fine scoring form. On the opposite flank, Djed Spence retains his place at left-back, continuing his recent run in the side.
Midfield
Archie Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur, Randal Kolo Muani
After netting the winning goal at Palace, Archie Gray carries renewed confidence into this fixture. He operates alongside Rodrigo Bentancur in central midfield, where the duo will look to dictate the tempo and provide a platform for Tottenham’s attacking play.
Randal Kolo Muani features in a more central midfield role, offering energy, ball-carrying ability and a link between midfield and attack, while combining effectively with the forward line.
Attack
Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus
Richarlison leads the line after an influential outing against Crystal Palace. Although two of his goals were ruled out for offside, the Brazilian provided the assist for Gray’s strike and continues to be a central figure in Tottenham’s attacking play this season.
Mohammed Kudus operates from the right, bringing pace and creativity, while Wilson Odobert starts on the left after impressing with his direct running and attacking intent in his previous appearance.
