BBC

Spurs suffering at home

When the Premier League fixture list came out in the summer many Brentford fans will have immediately circled the dates of their two games with Tottenham as they looked forward to a reunion with former manager Thomas Frank.

The Dane's highly successful nine-year stint with the Bees - seven as head coach - saw them rise from the Championship to become an established Premier League side.

However, his tenure at Tottenham has got off to a poor start and rumours about his future were swirling as they registered a third defeat in seven days after a dismal showing against Fulham at home last Saturday.

A last-gasp overhead kick by Cristian Romero at Newcastle in midweek steadied the ship somewhat, but their performance in a 2-2 draw again arguably posed more questions than it did answers.

They now return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a place that has seen more spells of booing than it has goals of late.

Over the last 13 months their only top-flight victories in front of their own fans have come against Manchester United, Southampton and Burnley.

And only the Burnley win was under Frank. Fourteen of the 19 points (73.7%) they have accrued under his stewardship so far have come in away matches.

He desperately needs a victory to get the fans back onside, as the prospect of a sixth successive league match without a win is not one Spurs fans will tolerate quietly. Defeat would also be their fifth in a row at home in a league London derby, something they have never done before in their 143-year history.

Andrews confirmed there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of their second trip to north London in four days.

He refused to confirm if Igor Thiago will return to the starting line-up, after starting on the bench at Arsenal, saying: "I'm not going to tell you the team, but he's clearly in a good place."

On Thiago's Premier League Player of the Month nomination: "He's played very, very well. He's getting this type of recognition with the goal return and the performance levels that he's been producing on a consistent basis."

The Bees made five changes in their defeat at Arsenal and Andrews was asked about squad rotation: "I have zero concern about making changes, it's needed at times because it's a long season."

He added: "You don't achieve anything with 11 players. The feel of the group needs to be fresh. Every player needs to feel involved in the process on a day-to-day basis."

Andrews said his squad are "in a good place" and have coped well "despite the exertions of the last two games over a space of a few days".

On their struggles away from home: "In terms of performances, how close the games have been, we're learning a lot as a group, myself included. With substitutions, the impact that they can have on games is vital - controlling the feel of a stadium and feeding off the opposition crowd."

With Spurs managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, Andrews was asked about his relationship with the Dane: "Thomas is someone I regard as a friend. He's a big part of the reason why I wanted to come to the club. I have a lot of respect for him and what he achieved at this football club. He was a really successful part of the club's history."

On if it will affect his players: "We're not robots. Naturally, there will be emotions of certain levels involved in the game because players had relationships with the staff, but equally we're preparing for a game that we want to absolutely compete in."

Tottenham Hotspur may be sitting in a far more comfortable league position this season under Thomas Frank, but a deeper look at their underlying numbers offers a reminder that this alone rarely tells the whole story.

Spurs are 11th after 14 games, already looking slightly more stable than they ever did during last year's turbulent campaign, yet the data shows Ange Postecoglou's side actually performed better in several important attacking and ball-progression areas despite finishing 17th. The radar chart below shows the difference between the two managers and their respective sides.

Last season's team, for all its chaos and volatility, consistently put opponents under pressure in ways Frank's Tottenham have not yet replicated. Spurs under Postecoglou drew far more fouls (12.7 per 90 to 8.5), a sign of how often they carried the ball into dangerous spaces and forced defenders into uncomfortable positions.

Their non-penalty expected goals output was also significantly higher (1.47 vs 0.97), suggesting that even in a season dominated by scrutiny, Postecoglou's side created better and more frequent chances than the current version.

Interceptions tell a similar story. Spurs won the ball back more often under Postecoglou (8.47 per 90 compared to 6.57), reflecting a team that pressed aggressively and defended on the front foot.

That momentum translated into how they moved the ball as well: progressive receptions sat at nine per 90 last season but have fallen to six under Frank, illustrating a drop in how often Tottenham manage to receive possession in advanced zones. Penalty-area passes (PPA) have also dipped slightly, again pointing to a reduction in dynamic, high-tempo attacking play.

Frank's Spurs are different, rather than ineffective. They cross more frequently (22.8 per 90 versus 19.8), signalling a more structured, delivery-based build-up that relies less on chaos and more on patterns. The approach has brought greater control and steadier points return, even if it sacrifices some of the incision and unpredictability that characterised the Postecoglou era.

The story told by the numbers is not that Spurs were better last season, the table clearly says otherwise, but that the foundations of their attacking play were more productive in several advanced metrics. This iteration of Tottenham looks calmer, more organised and more robust, but also a touch less explosive.

In many ways, Frank has stabilised the club. What remains to be seen is whether Tottenham can marry that new-found control with the attacking sharpness that, statistically at least, was more evident under Postecoglou.

There are no new injury concerns, with everyone who played against Newcastle on Tuesday expected "to be ready" to go again.

He said he will "provide an update" on Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski "when they are close to joining the squad" again.

On facing his former club Brentford and what he expects from them: "It's been preparation against a team of players I know very well, small tweaks to what I used to do, a lot of their identity is the same which makes it difficult in many ways."

He said despite having "respect" for his former club he will celebrate if Spurs score because "in the 90 minutes it's all about one thing, do what we can to win the game".

On Spurs' home form: "It's nice timing to get the three points on Saturday. The one way to win is to put in the good performance in there. Work on the things we're constantly working on, phase two, phase three, making it quicker."

He said his side need to "be sharper, quicker" and "play with intensity and be brave".

On Xavi Simons: "Xavi has trained fantastic the last five, six times. He has a very good attitude on the training pitch, I like that a lot."

He explained the reason behind the half-time team huddle: "The more they can encourage each other and the more there is positive body language for positive actions to build togetherness then the performance is good. I know I am standing close to it, but I am not in there. They need to sort it out and they can only do that together."

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford: Premier League preview, team news, stats & head-to-head  BBC

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min will return to the club for the first time since leaving to join MLS side Los Angeles FC in the summer.

Son, after 10 years of service, will bid farewell to fans during Spurs' Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, 9 December.

The 33-year-old led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years when they lifted the Europa League last season.

"It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the club that this happens," Son said on his return.

He announced his departure during their pre-season tour in South Korea, his final match in a Spurs shirt was at a sold-out match in Seoul.

"I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium," Son said.

"Now I am so happy because I am going to come back to London on 9th December, for the Champions League match, and be able to tell the Spurs fans in person just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family."

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min will return to the club for the first time since leaving to join MLS side Los Angeles FC in the summer.

Son, after 10 years of service, will bid farewell to fans during Spurs' Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, 9 December.

The 33-year-old led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years when they lifted the Europa League last season.

"It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the club that this happens," Son said on his return.

He announced his departure during their pre-season tour in South Korea, his final match in a Spurs shirt was at a sold-out match in Seoul.

"I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium," Son said.

"Now I am so happy because I am going to come back to London on 9th December, for the Champions League match, and be able to tell the Spurs fans in person just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family."

From the creator of Mood, Nicôle Lecky's scandalous new drama

Does what we believe about our health affect it?

A revealing look into the life of boxer Tommy Fury

Spurs hope to improve home fortunes

Tottenham v Brentford (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

So, despite finishing on the positive note that was their late equaliser, there remains plenty for Thomas Frank to ponder as he searches for a winning formula in his first season in charge at Spurs.

Among the issues he faces is Tottenham's poor home record. They have won just three of their 16 home league games in 2025 - their lowest win rate across a calendar year in their league history (19%) - while their 10 home defeats this year is also a joint-high for the club.

Speaking after Tuesday's late equaliser, Frank said: "It says a lot about the mentality of the team, it's been a tough week, coming here after four games in ten days against a good Newcastle team.

"I'm happy with our fans, there were 3,000 of them and we could hear them all game."

He'll certainly be hoping his side can give the home crowd something to cheer on Saturday...

Frank seeks end to winless run

Tottenham v Brentford (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank will face his former club on Saturday afternoon when Brentford travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Bees will have the opportunity to put more pressure on their former manager, whose Spurs side are winless in their past five league games since winning at Everton on 26 October.

Tottenham sit 11th in the table having won just one of their past seven in the Premier League - and three of their previous 14 in all competitions.

Frank's side managed to salvage a draw at Newcastle on Tuesday and the Dane will hope his side can build momentum following Cristian Romero's 95th-minute leveller.

get involved

Get Involved

Click 'Get Involved' to have your say

We are expecting to hear from Tottenham boss Thomas Frank very soon, all being well.

But is all well at Spurs?

Tottenham fans, it's time for you to get involved and tell us your current feelings - and just how important you think Saturdays home match against Brentford is after five games without a win in all competitions.

What do you need to see from your side this weekend?

'I feel a calmness around the club'

Newcastle v Burnley (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Burnley

Discussing how he is looking after the mental wellbeing of his players amid their losing run, Burnley boss Scott Parker said: "I am quite calm and rational. The biggest job for me is keeping the players in that calm state of mind throughout.

"I genuinely feel a real calmness around the club.

"Keeping the players focused mentally was always going to be a main focus for me this year. My job is to keep things very stable and give the players belief."

'One result from turning this around'

Newcastle v Burnley (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Burnley

On that five-match losing streak, Scott Parker said: "I really do feel like we are a result away from turning this around.

"We have been really close and had nearly moments. These nearly moments are something we are going to have to fix.

"Games are not going to run away from us and we have been really competitive and stayed in the games.

"We just need a result and to continue the good things that get us those results."

'Players tired and disappointed'

Newcastle v Burnley (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Burnley

Scott Parker will take his Burnley side to Newcastle on Saturday, where they will look to end a five-match losing run in the Premier League.

Wednesday's 1-0 loss at home to Crystal Palace left the Clarets second-bottom with 10 points from their 14 games.

On how his players are coping with the schedule, Parker said: "[The players are] physically okay, they are tired with the game demand at the moment and they are hugely disappointed with the result last night.

"We will just reboot, always after a game where the emotions are high we have to sit and analyse things but we are back on it today and back into work and that’s what we do."

'My time at Everton was hard'

Everton v Nott'm Forest (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Nottingham Forest

And lastly from Sean Dyche, the Nottingham Forest boss discussed his time as Everton manager before facing his former club next.

Dyche led Everton to safety after taking charge in January 2023, and achieved a 15th-placed finish in 2024 despite the club being deducted eight points for two separate breaches of Premier League financial rules, before being dismissed at the start of this year.

"It was hard. I said openly it was a very hard situation to manage and I was very proud of what we all did, not just me as manager but there was so many people involved in making sure that club came through a really messy period on and off the pitch," said Dyche.

"The time had probably come [when he got sacked], that's the way it goes. Players were dwindling a little bit, the heat was coming on and I thought a change of face would work and it has done.

"Moysey [David Moyes], with his history with the club and his know-how of the Premier League, is doing a good job as I thought he would do."

'We have to find different ways of winning'

Everton v Nott'm Forest (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Nottingham Forest

Sean Dyche also spoke about the importance of his side getting back to winning ways against Wolves on Wednesday following their home defeat by Brighton last weekend, in the context of the battle at the foot of the table.

"We want to take care of ourselves, we are not really interested in others" Dyche said.

"The focus is certainly on ourselves. I thought we performed well at the weekend, I didn't think we performed as well last night but found a way to win and that's important. With the amount of games we have got we have got to find different ways of winning.

"I was super pleased with that last night because first half I thought we were good value and could have been in front I thought, despite VAR I thought we had really good chances to go in front and we didn't capitalise on that. They came stronger in the second half but I think we defended very well."

'Gibbs-White is alright, Murillo being monitored'

Everton v Nott'm Forest (Sat, 15:00 GMT)

Nottingham Forest

Beginning with the team news, Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has offered injury updates on several players: "Woody [striker Chris Wood] is making a bit of progress but he is still early days yet.

"Taiwo Awoniyi is on the grass and doing well, Douglas Luiz is close to getting back to training with us, Angus Gunn a bit delayed on that but getting better.

"Dilane Bakwa has 60 minutes so that's good and he came through that unscathed but that is gently, gently as he gets fitter, Oleksandr Zinchenko is on the grass and doing fine so that's good he is on his way back.

"Ola Aina still a bit of time yet and Murillo unfortunately he was touch and go with the hamstring and then he has been ill since so we are just monitoring him daily. A lot of bugs about at the minute so we are just hoping he recovers quickly."

And on Morgan Gibbs-White: "Yeah I think he is alright. There are a few knocks at the minute, we are playing a lot of games at the minute and a few of the guys are playing a lot of football. I don't think it is anything serious, it hasn't been reported as serious. Recovery day today."

'It's game-by-game at the moment'

Fulham v Crystal Palace (Sun, 16:30 GMT)

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was asked when he will be thinking about Champions League qualification and he said "May".

He added: "It's game-by-game at the moment and preparing the team and looking at who is available. So many games to play, no time to think about end of May. We have great games ahead, not just in the Premier League but in the Conference League we have two important games. Looking forward to the quarter-final at the Emirates in the FA Cup. So many great games to play and it is important to stay focused now on the next game and don't waste your time and mind on end of May."

Sarr not available

Fulham v Crystal Palace (Sun, 16:30 GMT)

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner spoke a little earlier today before his team take on Fulham on Sunday in the Premier League. He was first asked about his team news and Glasner confirmed Ismaila Sarr will not be involved because of his ankle injury.

However, the defender Borna Sosa has a "good chance" of returning to the matchday squad. Glasner said: "In my experience, you can never plan too far ahead. Fortunately it looks like we have no injury concerns from the Burnley game.

"Of course, the issues you always have after a Premier League game, there are a few knocks and a few players with some pain. But now it's a little bit easier, we have three days in between, so one more day to rest and also to prepare, so everybody should be fine.

"I think I think Borna Sosa looks like he could return for the matchday squad. That gives us one more option."

Son Heung-min is set to return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time since leaving the club to join Major League Soccer team Los Angeles FC after 10 years of service.

The former captain, who led Tottenham to their first trophy in 17 years when they won the Europa League last season, will bid farewell to supporters during the club's Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague on Tuesday, 9 December.

"I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium," Son told the club. "Now I'm so happy to be able to tell the Spurs fans, in person, just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family.

"It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the club that this happens."

Son announced his departure during the club's pre-season tour of South Korea - describing his decision as "the most difficult one I have made in my career" - and played his final match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd.

"Sonny will take to the pitch before the team walkouts ahead of the 20:00 GMT kick-off," the club announced, external. "He will then have the opportunity to personally address the supporters."

The club has also commissioned a "street mural" on Tottenham High Road to "celebrate the legacy" of the forward, who scored 173 goals in 454 appearances. This is set to be completed by the same day as the Slavia Prague game.

The design has been chosen by Son himself and is being created by Murwalls, who also produced murals for Ledley King and Harry Kane.