Inside Futbol

Martin Ole Wold/Getty Images

Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 6th December, 15:00 UK time

Tottenham Hotspur will host Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon as both sides look to regain momentum in the Premier League.

The two clubs are level on points, currently with 19 each, with Spurs aiming to end a run of inconsistent home form, while Brentford seek to end a three-game winless streak on the road.

The Lilywhites have struggled in recent weeks, winning just once in their last six league matches and remaining winless in five games across all competitions.

Their home form has been particularly concerning, with their last Premier League victory at N17 coming on the opening weekend of the season.

Midweek, a 2–2 draw at Newcastle United offered manager Thomas Frank some relief after a run of defeats, but Saturday marks a significant occasion: his first reunion with his former club.

Frank will want his summer signings to start to make a real impact soon and has declared his faith in Xavi Simons, while Randal Kolo Muani has started to catch the eye.

Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke remain unavailable for Spurs.

Brentford arrive under Keith Andrews, who succeeded Frank. Their form has been inconsistent, most recently a 2–0 loss against Arsenal at the Emirates, but the west London side have produced some impressive results this season, having recorded wins over Manchester United and Liverpool.

Their away record remains fragile, with just one win from six league trips, though Spurs’ struggles at home suggest an upset is well within the realms of possibility.

Historically, Tottenham have dominated the fixture, winning five of the nine meetings between the clubs across all competitions, with Brentford claiming just one victory and three matches ending in draws. The last two encounters at this venue both resulted in Spurs wins, adding another layer of pressure on the visitors.

Both sides face clear challenges heading into the clash. Frank’s team need to convert chances and assert themselves in possession, something they have shown glimpses of in the Champions League, but have struggled to replicate in the Premier League.

Andrews will hope his side can draw on the form of players like Igor Thiago, who is the league’s second-highest scorer with eleven goals this season.

Defensively, the Bees’ captain Nathan Collins will be charged with keeping Spurs frontman Kolo Muani in check, a player yet to find his Premier League rhythm despite his Champions League exploits.

Brennan Johnson, who scored in this fixture last season and will be looking to reignite his early-season form, could find himself up against Michael Kayode, whose pace and defensive awareness have consistently stifled opposing wingers this season.

A strong performance on the road in the London derby would provide a timely boost for Brentford, with Andrews eager to claim a result against a Tottenham side struggling for form, while Frank will be keen to prove himself against his former colleagues and guide his team to a much-needed home victory.

Predicted Lineups

Tottenham Hotspur Brentford Vicario Kelleher Porro Kayode Romero Collins Van de Ven Van den Berg Spence Henry Palhinha Henderson Bentancur Jensen Bergvall Ouattara Johnson Damsgaard Kudus Schade Kolo Muani Thiago Predicted lineups

Recent Form (league)

Tottenham: LDLLD

Brentford: LWLWL

Key Men

Tottenham Hotspur

Captain Cristian Romero, fresh from his dramatic brace on Tyneside that salvaged points for his side, will be pivotal at the back alongside Micky van de Ven in keeping the Brentford attack at bay. Their composure and defensive cohesion will be key if Tottenham are to hold firm and control possession from the back.

Mohammed Kudus has been the standout performer for the Lilywhites, contributing two goal involvements in the last two games. His ability to link play and influence the final third will be central to Spurs’ chances in the contest.

Brentford

Igor Thiago has been in electric form this season, already the second top scorer in the Premier League with eleven goals in 13 games. The striker will be the main man to watch going forward for the Bees, with his movement and finishing likely to keep Spurs on constant alert.

Michael Kayode, with his pace, defensive awareness, and long-throw prowess, will be a constant threat on the right flank, capable of both shutting down opposition wingers and setting up chances for Brentford to capitalise on.

Result Competition Brentford 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Brentford Premier League Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Brentford Premier League Last three meetings

Match Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford carries added intrigue, with the two managers having worked together before. For Frank, however, it feels close to a must-win, given the recent results of the north London side.

Brentford’s trademark fast starts from last season have continued under Andrews, meaning Spurs must be alert from the outset to avoid conceding early. They will need to stay switched on in possession to cope with Brentford’s aggressive pressure off the ball.

The Bees enjoy winning back possession and quickly advancing it through long passes and fast breaks. Their threat from set pieces, especially long throws, remains a major weapon, having already produced three goals this season. Spurs’ defensive line, led by their captain, will need to stay sharp to avoid falling behind from such situations.

Spurs on home soil will want to control possession, but it will be crucial to convert their chances into goals against Caoimhin Kelleher to put the game to bed early. Coming off a strong second-half performance against Newcastle United, Spurs may feel they have enough on home soil to edge the contest.

Inside Futbol Score Prediction

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Brentford

Where To Watch?

Tottenham Hotspur vs Brentford will not be broadcast live in the UK, but can be followed via each teams’ respective website.

Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Fixture: Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 20:15 UK time

Thomas Frank has picked his Tottenham Hotspur lineup to take on Newcastle United at St James’ Park in the Premier League this evening.

Frank’s Spurs have already visited Newcastle this season, in the EFL Cup, and put on a meek display as they were beaten 2-0.

The new Tottenham boss arrives for a second bite of the apple coming under pressure, with Spurs having lost their last three games in a row, something which has put the club under scrutiny and especially big money summer arrival Xavi Simons, who Frank has defended.

Frank will though be wary of Nick Woltemade, who he has admitted gives Newcastle something different.

Their last win came against Danish side FC Copenhagen in the Champions League and defeat here tonight would make life even more difficult for Frank.

Tottenham have slipped all the way down to 12th in the Premier League, with just five wins from their 13 games this season.

A win tonight would put Tottenham level on points with Liverpool and Manchester United though in what is a congested middle of the table.

Guglielmo Vicario slots in between the sticks for Tottenham tonight, while at the back Spurs have Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie.

The midfield battle is sure to be key tonight and Frank picks Pape Matar Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall, while Brennan Johnson, Mohammed Kudus and Randal Kolo Muani lead the attack.

Substitutes will need to be called for at some point as part of Frank’s game plan and they include Xavi Simons and Mathys Tel.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup vs Newcastle United

Vicario, Porro, Danso, Romero, Udogie, Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall, Johnson, Kudus, Kolo Muani

Substitutes: Kinsky, Palhinha, Simons, Richarlison, Tel, Gray, Spence, Van de Ven, Odobert

Carl Recine/Getty Images

Fixture: Newcastle United vs Tottenham Hotspur

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 20:15 UK time

Newcastle United have officially confirmed their starting lineup for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League tonight.

Eddie Howe’s side thumped Everton 4-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on their last outing and Howe will be licking his lips at a repeat tonight.

With Tottenham considered realistic rivals for a top five spot in the Premier League this season, the clash carries even more importance.

Newcastle will be boosted by already having seen off Spurs this season, in the EFL Cup, which they are the holders of.

With games coming thick and fast over the course of December, Howe must make sure he gets his rotation spot on; he has been criticised for preferring to largely stick to the same team.

There have been worries over a lack of midfield options beyond his tried and trusted selections, with one former top flight star explaining the Magpies need more depth.

With Newcastle level on 18 points with Tottenham, a win would push them towards the top six and continue a run of two straight league wins.

Aaron Ramsdale is Newcastle’s goalkeeper this evening, while in front of him Howe goes with Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Malick Thiaw and Lewis Hall.

Howe’s midfield are often crucial in games and tonight Newcastle have an engine room of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Lewis Miley, while Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy support Nick Woltemade.

If Howe needs to shuffle his pack at any point then there are options off the bench for him to call for and they include Anthony Gordon and Joe Willock.

Newcastle UnitedLineup vs Tottenham Hotspur

Ramsdale, Livramento, Burn, Thiaw, Hall, Tonali, Joelinton, Miley, Murphy, Barnes, Woltemade

Substitutes: Ruddy, Schar, Gordon, Elanga, Willock, A Murphy, Guimaraes, Ramsey, Neave

Clive Mason/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank believes that Xavi Simons is a very good player, but just like any other player coming from a different league, he needs time to adapt and get going.

Despite having managed 17 appearances for the north London club already, Simons has hardly lasted the full 90 minutes.

His only 90-minute appearance for Spurs has come against Newcastle United in the 2-0 defeat in the EFL Cup.

Frank has been clear about what he expects to see from Simons, with intensity wanted.

With the club now set for a busy festive period wherein they are scheduled to play six games in the space of 26 days, Frank insists that Simons will be in for more involvement with the team.

Answering a question about Simons’ minutes, Frank said at a press conference (4:50): “Yes, of course [you can expect him to get more minutes in this busy period]. That is the reason why we got him here.

“I think he is a very good player in every aspect.

“Xavi has trained well in the last couple of days and in general has been training well.”

Coming from a different league, Frank insists that adaptation needs time, and in that, Simons is no different from anyone else.

Player James Maddison Archie Gray Dominic Solanke Djed Spence Dane Scarlett English players in Tottenham Hotspur first team squad

“I think, we have talked about before, it is not the first time a player is stepping into the Premier League.

“They just need a little bit of adaptation to hit the ground running and then there is one thing that this is a physical league, but also you have to play games every third or fourth day.

“And then in a team that maybe not top in sync. How can we help each other – that is part of the process.”

Simons was criticised earlier this season by a former Netherlands winger, who believes opposing players have worked him out.

Tottenham’s season under Frank has been going from bad to worse recently as they succumbed to yet another defeat, their third in the last four games, against Fulham at the weekend.

Former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega has already insisted that Frank is ‘not for Spurs’.

It now remains to be seen how long the patience of the board runs with the former Brentford boss if results remain inconsistent.

Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has dubbed Spurs star Guglielmo Vicario ‘remarkable’, lauding his bravery to carry himself professionally after making errors.

Spurs made a decent start to their campaign, but their loss to Fulham at the weekend marked their third defeat on the bounce in all competitions.

The north London club are currently sitting ninth in the Premier League table and recently one former top flight star predicted that they will finish there by the season’s end.

Spurs lost 4-1 against their bitter rivals Arsenal late last month and after a 5-3 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, London rivals Fulham handed them another loss at the weekend.

Italian custodian Vicario’s performances have received criticism and he made a fatal mistake against the Cottagers, which led to Fulham’s second goal of the game.

Frank, though, has hailed the Italy shot-stopper for his characteristics, praising his ability to carry himself through bad times, dubbing him ‘remarkable’.

“Vic is remarkable; his character is fantastic in every aspect”, the Spurs boss told a press conference (7:25).

Goalkeeper Nationality Guglielmo Vicario Italian Antonin Kinsky Czech Brandon Austin American Tottenham’s goalkeepers

“It is about how you carry yourself every day, in the good times and bad times and he is very consistent in that way.

“Everyone can make mistakes, but the way he carries himself impressed me very much.”

Frank also revealed that he asked the Italian how he is doing, mentioning that he is delighted with his response to the setback.

“I spoke with him and asked how he was. He said he was okay.

“He is a good player to deal with when it is setbacks like that…. How you deal with mistakes is a big part of how good you become as a player.”

The Italian shot-stopper has been Tottenham’s first-choice, racking up 93 all-competition appearances for the north London outfit.

He was in the last Italy squad, but Gianluigi Donnarumma is the country’s undisputed first choice.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has pointed out that Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade helps the Magpies with their link-up play by dropping down the pitch.

Eddie Howe’s side went into the market to sign a striker and picked up Germany international Woltemade by paying a fee in the region of €90m, which Michael Ballack referred to as an insane figure.

Woltemade was brought in to replace Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool for a British transfer record fee, and has quickly made the Magpies fans forget all about the Swede.

Since his arrival, 23-year-old Woltemade has been excellent for Newcastle and has netted five goals in ten league games so far, and his team-mate Malick Thiaw thinks that his quality is indisputable.

Frank is of the view that Woltemade and Isak are two different type of players and admitted that the German has so far done very well for the Magpies.

The Tottenham boss pointed out that Woltemade offers physicality to Newcastle’s attacking department and added that the forward often drops down into midfield to help the team with his link-up play.

Asked at a press conference about Woltemade stepping into Isak’s shoes, Frank said: “They [Isak] are two different players, but Nick Woltemade has done very well.

Game Competition Newcastle United (A) Premier League Brentford (H) Premier League Slavia Prague (H) Champions League Tottenham’s next three games

“He has got the physicality, but he also offers something different.

“He is also good at dropping down to link the game for them.

“That is why he offers something a little bit different.

“The way he attacks the box, I think he does very well.”

Woltemade scored at the weekend against Everton in Newcastle’s 4-1 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and now on Tuesday, Eddie Howe will once again rely on him to find the back of the net against Tottenham.

The forward was brilliant during the last international break, where he netted three goals against Luxembourg and Slovakia and Germany legend Lothar Matthaus commented that the striker brings good vibes, which can prove important when Germany are playing in big competitions.

Despite the 23-year-old’s performances, Newcastle this season have been inconsistent with their results and displays.

Howe’s side have though managed to register two wins in a row for the first time in the league this season by defeating Manchester City and Everton in recent games.

Newcastle have not lost to Tottenham Hotspur in their last four meetings at St James’ Park and they are also undefeated in their last four competitive games against them.

Alex Pantling/Getty Images

A permanent move away for Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur is unlikely as the Croatian is considered a key player for the future at the club, according to football.london.

The teenager came through Hajduk Split’s academy back on his home soil and showed his high ceiling with his performances.

Two years ago, Spurs signed him, but he did not join the Premier League club until this summer, with loan spells in Poland and Belgium.

One former striker stressed that going to Spurs this summer could be too early for him, and the north London club loaned him out to Bundesliga club Hamburg after he arrived in England.

His brother Mario Vuskovic is also at Hamburg and is banned from playing until next November; the teenager admitted how badly he wanted the move to the Bundesliga club after he joined them.

Vuskovic can enjoy a full season at Hamburg, as Spurs cannot recall him in January, unless two of Tottenham’s centre-backs pick up serious injuries.

The 18-year-old central defender has been a regular starter for Hamburg, impressing with his performances in Germany.

Country Croatia Poland Belgium Germany Countries Luka Vuskovic has played in

Vuskovic’s performances have attracted a lot of attention and German giants Borussia Dortmund have shown interest in him recently.

Spurs, though, are not ready to entertain the idea of agreeing to a sale for the Croatian and a permanent move away for the teenager is unlikely.

It has been suggested that personnel at north London club consider the teenager a top prospect and see him as a future star at the club.

He received plaudits back in Belgium as well, as Westerlo’s vice president admitted the club, where Vuskovic was on loan, were dreaming about keeping him.

The 18-year-old’s contract does not expire until the summer of 2030, which puts Spurs in a secure position about keeping hold of the talent.

Spurs are sure to be keeping a keen eye on his performances in Germany, but they may still have to deal with attempts from the country to keep Vuskovic in the Bundesliga.

The club are likely to assess whether another loan is needed when they take a look at him next summer over the course of pre-season.

Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has insisted that striker Randal Kolo Muani is ready to face Fulham this weekend, but stressed he needs to find the right balance to keep Spurs sharp in the coming weeks.

The London-based club suffered their first defeat of the Champions League league phase, going down 5-3 in France against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week.

It was Tottenham’s second defeat in the space of three days, after the loss to Arsenal, which even saw one former Spurs star declare he is not the right man to take the club forward.

However, there were positives to take away from Paris and one of those was Kolo Muani, who produced a superb performance.

He scored twice for Tottenham, along with providing an assist, and Frank admits he liked what he saw from the loan striker.

Frank has no doubt that Kolo Muani put in the best performance of his short time at Tottenham so far and stressed if called upon he is fit enough to start against Fulham.

The Danish boss though is clear that with the games coming thick and fast, he has a real coaching challenge on his hands to keep the sharpness and freshness in the team.

Game Competition Fulham (H) Premier League Newcastle United (A) Premier League Brentford (H) Premier League Tottenham Hotspur’s next three games

“Yes, he would be fit enough to start against Fulham again”, Frank said at a press conference (8:57).

“I think he performed well. It was obviously his best performance, not only because of the two goals and the assist, but the overall performance, the pressing game, the energy and the touches. I liked that from him.

“That is the challenge that we are facing, that we are embracing, that away to Arsenal, three days later, away to PSG, three days later home to Fulham, three days later away to Newcastle.

“So how can we find that perfect balance of energy, intensity, freshness, the right structure and relationship on the pitch.

“That’s a nice coaching challenge, let’s put it that way.”

Whether Kolo Muani will get the vote to face Fulham remains to be seen as Frank may want to save him for the trip to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Tottenham have already visited Newcastle this season, in the EFL Cup, and produced a tame display as they lost 2-0.

Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Fixture: Paris Saint-Germain vs Tottenham Hotspur

Competition: Champions League

Kick-off: 20:00 UK time

Thomas Frank has picked his Tottenham Hotspur lineup to lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes this evening.

Spurs were thrashed in the north London derby at the weekend and Frank came in for big criticism for how he approached the game.

He had vowed his side would create chaos against Arsenal at the Emirates, but they were set up defensively from the off.

The display was so bad that it even led one former Tottenham star to write off Frank’s reign and judge him not the right manager for Spurs.

Frank will now switch his attention to European matters, with PSG on the agenda.

Tottenham have won two and drawn two of their Champions League league phase games so far and that has left it uncertain whether they will make the top eight.

PSG would consider it to be something of a disaster if they do not make the top eight and they will be motivated to beat Spurs at the Parc des Princes tonight.

Tottenham have Guglielmo Vicario in goal against the French giants, while at the back Frank goes with a five of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Archie Gray and Djed Spence.

Midfield will be a key battleground tonight and Frank looks towards Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall, while the attack is led by Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani.

The Spurs boss will likely need to make use of his bench at some point and his options tonight include Destiny Udogie and Xavi Simons.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup vs Paris Saint-Germain

Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Gray, Spence, Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall, Richarlison, Kolo Muani

Substitutes: Kinsky, Austin, Danso, Palhinha, Simons, Ugodie, Kudus, Odobert, B Davies, Scarlett, Thompson, Williams-Barnett

Julian Finney/Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has highlighted the qualities that make Randal Kolo Muani a likeable player for him, talking up the Frenchman’s strengths.

The French international is currently on loan at Tottenham from Paris Saint-Germain, but injury disrupted his start in north London.

Frank revealed who caused Kolo Muani a dead leg in training, but now that he is back fit he has already impressed one former Tottenham star, who feels he can become a real player for the club.

Kolo Muani will hope for a run of games in the team at Tottenham to start to make his mark and Frank admires his qualities.

Now Frank has pinpointed the reasons behind his love for the PSG loanee, insisting that he loves Kolo Muani’s link-up play, his ability to run in behind and also his skills in one-versus-one situations.

“Randal, I like his link-up play”, Frank said at a press conference ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League match against Kolo Muani’s parent club PSG.

“I think he’s very good at that and his ability to run in behind.

“His one-vs-one and he’s also good in the box.”

Player On loan from Joao Palhinha Bayern Munich Randal Kolo Muani Paris Saint-Germain Tottenham Hotspur’s loan stars

Frank also took time to throw light on his team’s strategy of taking risks, insisting that in the upcoming matches, they could become bolder; there was criticism of how Tottenham approached the loss at Arsenal.

“I think we do [take risks]. We could [take] more.

“We should do all we can to create more chances.

“That is what we’re working on.”

Following Tottenham’s dismantling by Arsenal at the weekend, ex-Spurs defender Ramon Vega criticised the boss, insisting that he is not the right man for the Lilywhites.

Frank will be looking for his side to provide a response in the Champions League tonight, but doing that at PSG will be easier said than done.

The match could see Kolo Muani in action, despite the player being at Tottenham on loan from PSG, and if he is involved he will be keen to make an impact against his parent club.