Brentford FC

Brentford welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm kick-off BST), with Roberto De Zerbi’s new-look side aiming to make a significant improvement on last season.

After a busy summer of recruitment, Spurs are targeting a return to European football, with a top-six challenge among their ambitions for the 2026/27 campaign.

Ahead of the Premier League meeting, which is live on Sky Sports, Standard Sport’s Sam Tabuteau discusses Tottenham’s summer rebuild, their transfer business, the potential threat posed by Sandro Tonali, and what Keith Andrews’ side can expect from De Zerbi’s team.

After Tottenham retained their place in the Premier League by a margin of just two points last season, there seems to be a lot of positivity going into 2026/27. How would you sum up their summer?

It has been a good summer. There was a really positive, and quite remarkable, start, not only with the amount of money they were spending, but the number of players they were bringing in and how they were staying true to their word.

They said at the end of last season that there needed to be a complete overhaul and they have gone out, done their business early and brought in some really impressive talent.

The main issue they will find now is that they are still short, certainly in attack, so their business is definitely not done; Roberto De Zerbi has said they have probably only done about 60 per cent of it.

It was a very positive, very quick, very surprising start to the window, but they need to follow that up by bringing in those last few players to build out the squad because it is not quite there.

On that, the club have spent well over £200 million and recouped over £70m so far in the transfer window. What have you made of the business they have done so far?

The signings of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali are good. The fees were potentially a little bit inflated but, ultimately, Tottenham had to show a willingness to go out and spend that money and bring in players of that calibre, and the role of De Zerbi in all of these signings should give supporters a lot of hope that he has a plan.

These are players he has identified because he has roles for them in the squad. You can certainly see that with Fernandes and Tonali, with the way they dovetail in terms of what they bring in and out of possession and how they might work alongside each other, but also Jan Paul van Hecke is someone he worked with extensively at Brighton and van Hecke credits him with being a massive influence in his career.

There appears to be a reason behind each addition. They are definitely looking for a winger, which is pretty evident, and Savinho has been heavily linked. That is a deal they would like to get done, but one that appears as though it might drag on until the final days of the window. Another area they might potentially like to strengthen, though it might be dependent on outgoings, is up front.

If you look at their options, you cannot really trust Dominic Solanke’s fitness and there is probably a conversation to be had about just how good Richarlison is. Were they to get a reasonable offer for the latter, who I know has interest from elsewhere, they might look to move on a striker as well.

So, attacking additions, whatever form that may come in, then potentially another defensive player because De Zerbi has said he would ideally want two or three more players.

No Europe means fewer games to contend with, which is probably somewhat welcome after last term. Taking that into consideration, what do you think is a realistic aim for Spurs?

It is a difficult one to gauge because they come into this season off the back of successive 17th-place finishes, but with the way they have gone about their business this summer, they are acting like a club that aspires to finish inside the top six.

I do not think supporters would be getting ahead of themselves to perhaps expect them to challenge for a top-six position. That would be the aim, rather than the expectation.

Ultimately, after the last two seasons, supporters err on the side of caution. A top-half finish would be real progress, but no Spurs supporter would be happy with that, and I am not sure that would constitute success.

Success for the club is getting back into European football, and they have the squad and the manager to challenge for that.

Which player should Brentford be keeping an eye out for on Saturday?

Tonali is the big one. There is the potential for him to come in on his competitive debut for the club and really run the show.

He is definitely the one to keep an eye on.

What should Keith Andrews’ side expect in terms of shape and style?

They tend to line up in a 4-2-3-1. Depending on fitness, it should be Fernandes and Tonali in the pivot, and they will be hoping to have James Maddison fit to play the no.10 role, though he has not played a single minute in pre-season at the time of speaking, so it is a little bit touch-and-go with him as he finds his way back to full fitness.

Then there will be the two wingers and probably Solanke up top. How the defence shapes up will be interesting, as there has been quite a lot of change there.

Cristian Romero and Djed Spence have left, Pedro Porro has had an extended break since the World Cup so will not be fully sharp, and Destiny Udogie is struggling with fitness.

There are quite a few potential changes in the backline.

What’s your score prediction?

I am going to go for a 2-2 draw. I think Tottenham will start brightly and there will be talk of a new era, but Brentford, as they tend to do, will stick in there and show their willingness and get the point.

Opening day, derby dates, festive football and the final run-in - Brentford’s 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are confirmed.

The Bees begin the season at home to Tottenham Hotspur and end the campaign with a trip to Chelsea.

Take a look at some of the standout dates from the season ahead.

Add Brentford's 2026/27 fixtures to your calendar

First game of the season

Saturday 22 August – Tottenham Hotspur (H)

Tottenham Hotspur are the visitors to Gtech Community Stadium on the opening day. This game ended in a goalless draw last term.

West London derbies

Saturday 19 September – Chelsea (H)

Saturday 12 December – Fulham (A)

Saturday 24 April – Fulham (H)

Sunday 30 May – Chelsea (A)

Bees fans won’t have to wait long for the first west London derby, as Keith Andrews’ side take on Chelsea at the Gtech on Saturday 19 September.

A late equaliser from Fábio Carvalho secured a point for Brentford in a 2-2 draw in the corresponding fixture last season.

The Bees’ first meeting with Fulham comes at Craven Cottage on Saturday 12 December.

Festive fixtures

Saturday 19 December – Newcastle United (H)

Saturday 26 December – Ipswich Town (A)

Wednesday 30 December – Coventry City (A)

Saturday 2 January – Crystal Palace (H)

Brentford face newly promoted Ipswich Town on Boxing Day.

Kevin Schade headed in the only goal of the game to earn the Bees a victory on their last visit to Portman Road in May 2025.

The first fixture of 2027 sees the Bees host Crystal Palace.

Final game of the season

Sunday 30 May – Chelsea (A)

Brentford end their 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a short trip to Chelsea.

A happy hunting ground in recent seasons, the Bees have won three of their last five fixtures at Stamford Bridge.

Brentford’s fixtures for the 2026/27 Premier League season have been confirmed.

The Bees welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Gtech Community Stadium on the opening weekend and end the campaign with a trip to Chelsea.

Fixture dates and kick-off times remain subject to change. Broadcast selections will be confirmed in due course.

Add Brentford's 2026/27 fixtures to your calendar

Brentford’s 2026/27 Premier League fixture list

August

Saturday 22 August – Tottenham Hotspur (H)

Saturday 29 August – Leeds United (A)

September

Saturday 5 September – Sunderland (H)

Saturday 12 September – Bournemouth (A)

Saturday 19 September – Chelsea (H)

October

Saturday 10 October – Aston Villa (A)

Saturday 17 October – Liverpool (H)

Saturday 24 October – Hull City (A)

Saturday 31 October – Nottingham Forest (H)

November

Saturday 7 November - Brighton and Hove Albion (A)

Saturday 21 November – Everton (H)

Saturday 28 November – Manchester United (A)

December

Wednesday 2 December – Arsenal (H)

Saturday 5 December – Manchester City (H)

Saturday 12 December – Fulham (A)

Saturday 19 December – Newcastle United (H)

Saturday 26 December – Ipswich Town (A)

Wednesday 30 December – Coventry City (A)

January

Saturday 2 January – Crystal Palace (H)

Wednesday 6 January – Arsenal (A)

Saturday 16 January – Brighton and Hove Albion (H)

Saturday 23 January – Everton (A)

Saturday 30 January – Manchester United (H)

February

Saturday 6 February – Nottingham Forest (A)

Wednesday 10 February – Crystal Palace (A)

Saturday 20 February – Coventry City (H)

Saturday 27 February – Newcastle United (A)

March

Wednesday 3 March – Ipswich Town (H)

Saturday 13 March – Sunderland (A)

Saturday 20 March – Bournemouth (H)

April

Saturday 10 April – Tottenham Hotspur (A)

Saturday 17 April – Leeds United (H)

Saturday 24 April – Fulham (H)

May

Saturday 1 May – Manchester City (A)

Saturday 8 May – Aston Villa (H)

Saturday 15 May – Liverpool (A)

Sunday 23 May – Hull City (H)

Sunday 30 May – Chelsea (A)

Following his release from Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the 2024/25 season, Brentford B defender Maxwell McKnight said he had to be “mentally strong” as he navigated his next move.

A member of Spurs Academy from under-12s through to under-21s, McKnight knew his next step would be “different”, but it is one he has thrived in.

After a short trial period with Sam Saunders’ B team in the summer, McKnight signed a one-year deal as a free agent in September, with a club option of a further 12 months.

“I think wherever you are in life, if you get told you’re no longer needed, especially in the football industry, you’ve always got to find a way and push through it,” explained McKnight.

“You’ve always got to be mentally strong. At some point in time, you’re always going to move on, so I think when I found my feet at Brentford, it boost my confidence.

“Brentford’s different in a very good way, it's a big family club which is good, makes you feel welcome, pushes you as well, tests you and I’ve really enjoyed it since I’ve been here.

“Obviously spending a long time at Tottenham and then moving onto a new club, it’s going to be different, but the lads and the coaches have made me feel welcome and I’ve really enjoyed training and learning new things.”

His confidence boost has aided strong performance on the pitch after his return from an injury during pre-season.

McKnight has featured 12 times across the Professional Development League and Premier League Cup, helping the young Bees sit seventh in the PDL table at Christmas and qualify for the knockout stages of the PL Cup.

“I think since I’ve been at Brentford, the lads have made me feel welcome, all the coaching staff as well, it’s been really good,” said McKnight.

“The energy in the club and the chemistry throughout all the lads, it’s like one big family really, so it’s really good.

“I think off the pitch we bring that energy and the chemistry and then on the pitch we bring it as a team as well.”

Playing predominantly at right-back, McKnight has enjoyed competition for spots in the starting line-up.

The 21-year-old said this has aided his development though.

“There’s good competition throughout the group and it pushes everyone, even the coaching staff,” he said.

“I think it’s really good for your development, obviously if you’ve got multiple people in your position it’s going to bring the best out of you and others, you’re always going to be fighting for your shirt, you’re never too comfortable.”

Away from the club, gaming, journaling and reading help McKnight keep his mind off of the game.

ARC Raiders, FIFA, NBA 2K and Call of Duty are the defender’s games of choice, helping provide another element of competition between McKnight and his Brentford team-mates.

“I like my games, sometimes it keeps my mind off things. I like watching other sports, golf and basketball,” said McKnight.

“Every now and then I have my own journal where I like to reflect and write things about myself, what I can do better, what I can improve on, what I’m aiming for in the future.

“Sometimes I read books as well, which keep me ticking over as well and keep my mind off of things.”

With the second half of the 2025/26 season to come, McKnight has clear ambitions.

“I think as a team we want to finish top of the league, get as many points as we can, get as many goals as we can,” he said.

“Individually I feel like I’ve just got to keep pushing and keep putting in consistent performances, one to make it hard for the coaching staff to leave me out of the team and two, to showcase what I’m capable of and push towards the first team or improving my career more at Brentford.”

McKnight and the Bees return to PDL action on 13 January as they face west London rivals QPR at The Powerday Stadium.

Brentford began 2026 with a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Vitaly Janelt went closest for the Bees, testing Guglielmo Vicario with a powerful header during the second half, but the points were shared at Gtech Community Stadium.

Head coach Keith Andrews made one change to the side that lined up against Bournemouth on 27 December: Jordan Henderson replaced Mathias Jensen who was named among the substitutes.

Brentford had the ball in the back of the net inside the opening five minutes. Janelt swung in a corner from the right and Vicario parried Nathan Collins’ header. Kevin Schade reacted fastest and finished from close range, but the forward was offside.

The opening half an hour passed with little goalmouth action, but there was no lack of intensity on a crisp night in west London.

Richarlison knocked the ball across the penalty area for Archie Gray who headed on target, but Collins - on his 100th appearance for the Bees - had sensed the danger and made an important block.

Yehor Yarmoliuk then blazed over the crossbar from 20 yards.

In the final seconds of the half, Wilson Odobert’s effort following a Spurs corner was blocked and the Bees launched a quick counter attack.

Schade latched onto Keane Lewis-Potter’s through ball and cut in from the left but was dispossessed by Pedro Porro.

Henderson was first to the loose ball on the right and clipped a cross to the back post, but his delivery was just too high for Igor Thiago and Tottenham cleared their lines.

Five minutes after the restart, Cristian Romero had an effort blocked and Mohammed Kudus’s snapshot whistled over Caoimhín Kelleher’s crossbar.

Following some excellent combination play between Schade and Thiago, Yarmoliuk found Lewis-Potter in a central position inside the penalty area with a low cross from the left, but the former Hull City man scuffed his shot and Tottenham again hacked the ball away.

Referee Andrew Madley took centre stage in the 56th minute. Romero appeared to have brought down Thiago, preventing the striker from racing towards goal, but Madley allowed play to continue.

Moments later, Gray was sandwiched between Collins and Schade and went down in the Brentford area. There was a VAR check for a possible spot-kick, but Madley’s on-field decision of no penalty was upheld.

Henderson’s delivery from the right was met by Janelt, and the German’s header was brilliantly saved by Vicario who launched himself to his left to get a strong hand to the ball.

Michael Kayode won his battle with Djed Spence and cut the ball back from the byline for Thiago, but the Brazilian lifted over the crossbar and into the west stand.

Lewis-Potter flicked Kayode’s long throw towards goal and Vicario punched away on the goal line under pressure from Kristoffer Ajer.

Deep into stoppage-time, substitute Randal Kolo Muani picked out Richarlison and the Brazilian’s first-time strike was comfortably held by Kelleher.

Brentford (4-3-3): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Henry; Henderson, Janelt, Yarmoliuk (Jensen 80); Lewis-Potter, Thiago, Schade (Nelson 80)

Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, van den Berg, Pinnock, Damsgaard, Konak, Nunes, Donovan

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha (Tel 79), Gray; Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert (Kolo Muani 67)

Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Drăgușin, Danso, Davies, Scarlett, Olusesi

Head coach Keith Andrews has made one change to Brentford’s starting XI for this evening’s Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur (8pm kick-off GMT, live on Sky Sports).

The Bees have defeated Wolves and Bournemouth in their last two outings, while Thomas Frank's Spurs beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Jordan Henderson is in from the start at Gtech Community Stadium, replacing Mathias Jensen who is named among the substitutes.

Brentford (4-3-3): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Henry; Henderson, Janelt, Yarmoliuk; Lewis-Potter, Thiago, Schade

Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, van den Berg, Pinnock, Jensen, Nelson, Damsgaard, Konak, Nunes, Donovan

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Gray, Odobert; Richarlison

Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Drăgușin, Danso, Tel, Davies, Kolo Muani, Scarlett, Olusesi

Brentford host Tottenham Hotspur at Gtech Community Stadium in the Premier League on New Year's Day (8pm kick-off GMT), live on Sky Sports.

The Bees have defeated Wolves and Bournemouth in their last two outings, while Thomas Frank's Spurs beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Analysis, team news, match officials and more. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the game.

Pre-match Analysis

Stephen Gillett, Playmaker Stats: The stock of set-pieces has never been higher

Brentford's New Year’s Day clash with Tottenham Hotspur will bring two set-piece masters face to face.

Under former boss Thomas Frank, Brentford established themselves as one of the Premier League’s deadliest set-piece sides - while the Bees’ current head coach Keith Andrews earned his spurs as the west Londoners’ dedicated set-piece specialist.

Frank returns to the Gtech for the first time since moving to north London in the summer, now trailing his former employers by a single point in the table, and a pulsating London derby is in store.

The Dane stated in a recent interview that he regards a negative set-piece goal difference as “impossible” - and, although Tottenham remain a team in transition, he has already had a clear impact in this area.

Although they lifted the Europa League last season under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs finished a lowly 17th in the Premier League, and their numbers from last term show that they often failed to come alive when the ball went dead.

Under Frank’s Australian predecessor, Tottenham scored 10 goals from corners, free-kicks and throw-ins during the 2024/25 season - but conceded 13 from such situations, leaving them firmly in Frank’s “impossible” category with a set-piece goal difference of -3.

In contrast, last season Brentford were among the most prolific sides in the top flight with 13 set-piece goals, while the Bees shipped just two goals from dead-ball situations (excluding penalties), the fewest in the division.

Eighth in the Premier League table ahead of tomorrow’s clash, Brentford have maintained their miserly defensive numbers from set-pieces - again posting league-leading figures - while Tottenham are a team reborn in this respect.

Level with the Bees, with only two goals conceded from set-pieces this term, Tottenham are now also among the most dangerous sides in the Premier League from dead-ball situations. Only four teams - Leeds, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United - have scored more than the north Londoners’ nine goals.

Archie Gray’s matchwinner from a corner against Crystal Palace last Sunday was the latest example of Frank’s set-piece smarts rubbing off on his new club - and Brentford will need to be switched on at all times.

During his time in charge of the Bees, Frank spoke regularly about adding layers to his team’s tactics - and, in this context, he will have been impressed with Brentford’s evolution as a counter-attacking unit under his successor.

Kevin Schade’s second goal against Bournemouth - on his way to claiming the match ball - was the product of a rip-roaring raid forward, and Brentford have now plundered six goals on the break in the Premier League this term.

With Frank already adding layers to his new club, and Andrews doing the same since his graduation to the Bees’ dugout, a fascinating clash awaits, with both managers eager to outwit one another and start the New Year on the front foot.

Scout Report

Dan Long, Sky Sports: Frank calls for patience following Spurs’ rollercoaster 2024/25 season

How best to sum up Tottenham Hotspur's 2024/25 season? Strange? Bittersweet? A rollercoaster? One thing is for sure - it was historic, for both positive and negative reasons.

Firstly, it was littered with defeats. There were 26 in all competitions, 22 of which came in the Premier League. The last time they lost that many league games was when they were relegated from the First Division in 1934/35.

It meant they finished just one place above the relegation zone in 17th, which also marked their lowest-ever Premier League finish and lowest in the top flight since 1976/77, when they finished 22nd in the First Division.

The only saving grace was that Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton won only 12 games between them and slipped back into the Championship without much of a fight.

Ange Postecoglou was under pressure for the whole campaign, with a statement he made after the north London derby defeat to Arsenal on 15 September 2024 following him around. “I usually win things in my second season,” he said.

In the league, Spurs faltered, but in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, it was a different story. Those competitions brought a much-needed release. In the former, they reached the semi-finals for the fourth time in seven seasons and in the latter, they beat Manchester United in the final in Bilbao.

Postecoglou no doubt revelled in the ultimate mic-drop, delivering Spurs’ first trophy since 2008. The disastrous league form was forgotten about.

But 16 days after that glorious night in Spain, Postecoglou was sacked. “Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph,” said the club’s statement.

Within a fortnight, the Australian had been replaced by Thomas Frank, who was tempted away from Brentford by a three-year deal in north London. “The time has come for me to move on. But, even as I leave, I know I have left a big piece of my heart at Brentford,” he wrote in a letter to the Bees fans.

It has not been plain sailing for the Dane, though. In his first competitive game, Spurs lost to Paris Saint-German on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup and, despite three wins from his first four in the league, they sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

They are out of the Carabao Cup, too, but in the Champions League, their chances of a top-eight finish in the league phase – and thus direct qualification for the round of 16 – are looking reasonably rosy.

External pressure is mounting, and has been for some time. Internally, though, the club seem to still be sure they have the right man at the helm and, as Standard Sport reporter Matt Verri told us this week, Frank has made it clear he cannot turn fortunes around overnight.

The January fixture schedule could certainly have looked more daunting than it does; next up are Sunderland, Bournemouth, West Ham and Burnley. Spurs should, in theory, come through with a healthy points total.

If they do, a push for European qualification will receive a much-needed shot in the arm.

In the Dugout

Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank was coaching youth players in his native Denmark from his early 20s. He spent time at his hometown club Frederiksvaerk, then Hvidovre, but his career might have ended before he took a job at Copenhagen-based B93.

His future would have lay in teaching, when he agreed with his wife to stop coaching due to money concerns. He was also doing his masters in psychology, working as a coach educator, studying for his A-Licence and bringing up two children, as he told The Telegraph in 2020.

Fortunately, he accepted the B93 role, then moved on to Lyngby and , later, the Danish international set-up where, in 2008, he took on the role of managing both Denmark’s Under-16s and U17s. He took the latter - with a squad that included Christian Nørgaard, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Yussuf Poulsen - to the U17 Euros in May 2011, where they reached the semi-finals, and the U17 World Cup the following month.

Frank moved on to the U19s in 2012, then took his first senior job in June 2013 at Brøndby. He took charge of over 100 games before resigning in March 2016. Nine months later, he joined Brentford as an assistant to head coach Dean Smith, before being promoted to head coach in October 2018, when Smith left west London to take over at Aston Villa.

Though he won just one of his first 10 games, over the next seven years, Frank would become one of the club’s most successful managers in history. He took the Bees to the Championship play-off final in his first full season, then delivered promotion to the Premier League in his second. In 2022/23, he guided the club to ninth - their highest top-flight finish since they finished sixth under Harry Curtis in 1937/38.

In June, after over 300 games in charge at Brentford, he signed a three-year deal to replace Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham.

The Gameplan

With Matt Verri, Standard Sport

Matt Verri, sports reporter at Standard Sport, has explained how he expects Thomas Frank to set up his Tottenham side at Gtech Community Stadium.

"More so in recent weeks, Frank has started to settle more on a formation and approach," Verri told us earlier this week.

"This has mainly been 4-2-3-1, with Archie Gray establishing himself in the side as one of those two in front of the defence, which rotates between João Paulinha and Rodrigo Bentancur.

"It had been Xavi Simons as the key creative player, but that is going to have to change now. I would imagine it will still be a similar shape, maybe Lucas Bergvall as the no.10, then Odobert on the left.

"It will be the same sort of approach in terms of a lot of crosses, fairly direct, and a lot of that does still come down the right with Pedro Porro and Kudus."

Last Premier League starting XI v Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Gray; Kudus, Bergvall, Kolo Muani; Richarlison

Team News

Andrews provides Thiago update before Tottenham clash

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews provided an update on top goalscorer Igor Thiago ahead of the Bees’ Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Thiago has scored 11 goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season, and Andrews praised the forward for playing through some pain in recent weeks.

“He had a bit of an issue, but nothing to do with his injury last season at all,” said Andrews.

“This time of year takes its toll, and we need to be careful with some players at times.

“There’s nothing too much to worry about. He’s shown a lot of courage and put the team before himself going into the last couple of games.”

Defender Sepp van den Berg will be assessed having missed Brentford’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth due to a knock.

Josh Dasilva (knee ligament) remains sidelined, while Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo will both miss the rest of the campaign due to ACL injuries.

Frank Onyeka and Dango Ouattara are also unavailable due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria and Burkina Faso, respectively.

Match Officials

Madley to referee second Bees game of campaign

Referee: Andrew Madley

Assistants: Lee Betts and Simon Bennett

Fourth official: Simon Hooper

VAR: Alex Chilowicz

Andrew Madley will referee the New Year's Day meeting with Tottenham Hotspur, exactly 12 years after first taking charge of a Brentford game, when the Bees won 3-1 at Peterborough United in League One.

It will be his second fixture involving the west Londoners this term, having previously officiated the 2-0 win against West Ham United at London Stadium in October.

The Huddersfield-born referee has dished out 34 yellow cards and two reds in the 11 games he has had the whistle for in 2025/26.

Memorable Meeting

Brentford 2 Tottenham Hotspur 2, (Premier League, 13 August 2023)

Brentford and Tottenham played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Gtech Community Stadium in the opening game of the 2023/24 season.

Cristian Romero headed in a James Maddison free-kick to put Spurs in front, before Bryan Mbeumo levelled from the penalty spot.

Rico Henry teed up Yoane Wissa to turn the game on its head, only for Emerson Royal to equalise in first-half stoppage-time.

There was still time for Mbeumo to blaze a huge chance over the top late in a frenetic first half, but neither side could find a winner in west London.

Brentford host Tottenham Hotspur at Gtech Community Stadium in our next Premier League fixture on New Year’s Day (8pm kick-off GMT). The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Use this guide to get ready for your arrival at the Gtech and find out how to take part in our matchday activity.

Fans are reminded that any form of discrimination will not be tolerated at the Gtech and to show respect to visiting players and fans before, during and after the match.

Digital ticketing – download your ticket in advance and arrive early to avoid queues

Tickets for home fans are fully digital and accessible on any smartphone.

To help you get into the ground smoothly, we advise all fans to:

Download your ticket onto your phone before you arrive, so it’s ready at the turnstile without the need for internet connection

Arrive early to avoid queues and get discounts on food and drink (see deals below)

For any questions on the day, the box office opens at 10am. For guidance and FAQs on how to download your digital ticket, use the resources on our website.

Join our free stadium wi-fi

Use our free stadium wi-fi to access your digital tickets, get live match updates, or enjoy exclusive content through the Brentford FC app. Connecting is simple and quick, just input your name, date of birth and email address.

Travel – reduced SWR and TfL services, Waterloo station closed

Train

A reduced timetable on matchday will impact SWR services to Kew Bridge and TfL services to all stations near to the Gtech. Stations will be busy. Please prepare for queues after full-time.

Waterloo station is closed on matchday. SWR services from the city centre will only run from Clapham Junction before and after the match.

TfL services on the Mildmay line will be closed between Camden Road and Richmond.

Use the TfL journey planner or Citymapper to plan your journey.

Parking

We advise you to take public transport to the match where possible.

You can pre-book parking through our website for secure parking on matchday. No reserved parking is available to supporters unless a space has been pre-booked.

Cycling

Use our permanent bike racks outside Gtech Community Stadium to park your bike on matchday, located next to the staircase on Lionel Road South, outside the west stand.

Cycle parking is on a first come, first served basis and you must bring your own bike lock. For general information about cycling to the Gtech, including cycle highways in our area, visit our Bike to Brentford page.

Matchday presentation – enjoy our pre-match light show

Take your seat to get involved with our matchday activity!

Pre-match

Play the World Cup of Red and White! Vote for your all-time favourite red and white striped Brentford home shirt, with a winner crowned at the end of the season. This matchday it’s our 1992/95 shirt against our 2020/21 shirt.

Enjoy a pre-match light show before kick-off, starting at 7.50pm

Half-time

Play along in our Home or Away game to see if our fans can win a voucher to spend with club partner Aosom’s online store

Watch the darts in the Dugout

Fans in the Dugout bar can arrive early and watch live coverage of the World Darts Championship quarter-finals, starting at 7pm.

Arrive between 6.30pm and 7pm to take advantage of early bird offers, including £4.50 on all alcoholic drinks.

Early bird offers and post-match deals on food, alcoholic and soft drinks

A reduced-price early bird offer is available on food and drink.

Concourse offers are available 30 minutes after turnstiles open, 6.30pm-7.30pm:

£4.50 on all alcoholic drinks

£1.95 on all soft drinks

£4.50 on all food items (excluding guest caterers)

Premium area offers are available for one hour after turnstiles open, 5.30pm-6.30pm:

£4.50 on alcoholic drinks (excluding cocktails, wines or spirits)

£1.95 on all soft drinks

£2 off select food items (£4.50 for all food items in the Dugout except confectionary and doughnuts.

After the match, The Dugout bar in the south stand will be open to Bees fans to enjoy, with 20 per cent off all food and drink until 11pm (bar close at 10.30pm).

BeeOrder

Use BeeOrder to skip the pre-match queues and request food items from other menus across the stadium.

Access BeeOrder on the Brentford app to pre-order food and drink 72 hours before matchday.

Items ordered on BeeOrder can only be collected pre-match, but you can beat the queues with access to our dedicated BeeOrder collection points.

Our self-service screens remain available to fans pre-ordering food for collection at any time.

Download the Brentford app for iOS or Android here.

Countdown to kick-off - the timings you need to know

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews has demanded an improvement from his side when Tottenham Hotspur come to Gtech Community Stadium on New Year's Day (8pm kick-off GMT, live on Sky Sports), after a disappointing defeat in the reverse fixture in north London.

The Bees were beaten 2-0 by Thomas Frank's side at the start of December, and Andrews is insistent that the west Londoners "have to perform better" this time around.

"The close proximity of the two games means it's a nice opportunity to face them again and, more importantly, perform better," said Andrews.

"In that game, we didn't hit the heights that we had previously done in the majority of our other games.

"They're a difficult opponent, clearly. They have very talented individuals with really good attributes that can nullify certain strengths that teams have.

"We need to perform individually and collectively better than we did on that day; I've spoken about it publicly and privately. We need to own that and take absolute responsibility for it.

"We know what type of game it will be against Spurs, it will be very difficult. So we'll have to perform better."

Andrews also praised Kevin Schade - after his hat-trick against Bournemouth in the last game - and Mathias Jensen, who have both been in good form of late, ahead of the clash on 1 January.

On Schade, first, the Bees boss said: "He's crucial to this team. He's grown since he's been at the club.

"We saw it last season, when he got into the flow and rhythm of his game, he relished the consistency of his selection, and his confidence grew from there.

"The attributes that he has, along with the calmness he showed for that perfect hat-trick, show what he's about.

"It was a brilliant performance from him."

Discussing Jensen, Andrews added: "I've been impressed with him ever since I came to the club. I've been quick to recognise his attributes, on and off the pitch.

"It's not just his experience of the Premier League and this football club - what it means to play here and how it ticks.

"But I've always been keen to praise Mathi and recognise what goes on behind the scenes, which not everyone is privy to.

"And his performance levels have been very, very good. He made an impact off the bench before this run of starts, and I tend to think that if you do that consistently then you'll get your reward, and he's got just that."

Brentford head coach Keith Andrews provided an update on top goalscorer Igor Thiago ahead of the Bees’ Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on New Year’s Day (8pm kick-off GMT, live on Sky Sports).

Thiago has scored 11 goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season, and Andrews praised the forward for playing through some pain in recent weeks.

“Thiago had a bit of an issue, but nothing to do with his injury last season at all,” said Andrews.

"This time of year takes its toll, and we need to be careful with some players at times.

“He showed a lot of bravery and courage to play against Wolves and gave us that platform.

“He played really, really well against Wolves and gave us that base to win the game. Players fed off him: Keane Lewis-Potter with his goals and Kev [Schade] was looking dangerous that day.

“There’s nothing too much to worry about. He’s shown a lot of courage and put the team before himself going into the last couple of games.”

Andrews added: “Again, this time of year, naturally you pick up little bits and bobs. The games are coming quite frequently.

“We’re still a couple of days out so we’ll see how everyone is tomorrow and make decisions about the team.”

Defender Sepp van den Berg will be assessed having missed Brentford’s 4-1 win over Bournemouth due to a knock.

Josh Dasilva (knee ligament) remains sidelined, while Fábio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo will both miss the rest of the campaign due to ACL injuries.