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Supercomputer predicts result of Brentford vs Tottenham in Premier League

Thomas Frank is preparing his side for successive London derbies as his Tottenham team take on Brentford on New Year’s Day.

Tottenham travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to meet Brentford in an 8pm kick-off on New Year’s Day, with both teams looking to maintain a winning feeling.

Spurs beat Crystal Palace 1-0 last time out, which was a much-needed three points as Frank has been under major pressure in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Brentford are in the midst of a two-game winning run, after an emphatic 4-1 victory over Bournemouth last Saturday followed up a 2-0 win over relegation-stricken Wolves.

Tottenham considered underdogs vs Brentford

Tottenham sit 13th in the Premier League heading into their game against Brentford, with the Bees currently positioned in ninth, but crucially, are just one point above Spurs in the table.

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It’s going to be a game in which many players must be on their best behaviour, too, as Tottenham have five players facing suspension if they pick up a yellow card against Brentford.

Spurs do have the most recent bragging rights between the two sides, as Frank’s team emerged as 2-0 winners from the reverse fixture on 6 December; Richarlison and Xavi Simons got the goals that day.

In fact, Tottenham have won the last four Premier League meetings between the two London rivals, winning by an aggregate score of 10-3.

However, Opta’s supercomputer believes that will change on New Year’s Day, with Brentford holding a 46 per cent chance of winning, whilst it’s given Spurs a 27.3 per cent chance of victory.

Many Tottenham fans may find that prediction laughable, but it is based on a number of different factors.

Where the keys to Tottenham win over Brentford lay

It’s not going to be an easy night at the office for Tottenham against Brentford, but there are some keys to the game that could unlock three points for Frank’s side.

As per WhoScored, Brentford have scored the joint-second most goals on the counter-attack (six) in the Premier League this season, with only Bournemouth’s seven being more.

On the flip side, the Bees have scored just three goals from set-pieces, which is the joint-fewest in the division alongside Liverpool and Wolves, so preventing counter-attacks and funnelling them into set-piece situations when they develop looks a pragmatic gameplan for Spurs to take.

However, whilst they may not be potent at offensive set-piece situations, Brentford have only conceded twice from them this season, which is the joint-lowest amount in the Premier League alongside, incidentally, Tottenham.

Therefore, set-pieces perhaps won’t play a big part in this game from an offensive standpoint, but it certainly seems like they will from a defensive one.

So, they keys to a Tottenham win could lie in limiting counter-attacks, and turning them into set-piece situations for Brentford as much as they can.

Fabio Paratici has all but left Tottenham right before the opening of the January transfer window.

Tottenham have plans for Thomas Frank in January, but lots of them will have been crafted by the sporting director who is set to leave.

Fiorentina have offered Paratici a long-term contract to be a part of their ambitions for greatness in Italy, his homeland.

Daniel Levy brought Paratici back in the summer after the latter’s FIFA ban expired, when he was sanctioned for alleged false accounting from his time at Juventus.

But with the 53-year-old ready to leave N17, someone else needs to step up in his place, and Spurs may have just the man.

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Rafi Moersen tipped to temporarily replace Fabio Paratici

The Lewis Family have given Frank a £150million transfer kitty, with the Lilywhites already linked to multiple world-class superstars heading into January.

Paratici has worked behind the scenes at Tottenham for years and has been responsible for signing the likes of Cristian Romero and Dejan Kulusevski.

But with the Italian just awaiting confirmation for his move, Rafi Moersen has now been suggested to step up after the backroom disruption.

While speaking to Last Word on Spurs, journalist Paul O’Keefe reported Moersen will be involved in January transfers.

O’Keefe said: “[Moersen] will have some involvement in transfers.”

The Lilywhites are preparing for early sales in the window, with things likely to soon pick up regarding additions.

Who are Tottenham’s most realistic signings?

Brennan Johnson looks set to join Crystal Palace on a permanent deal, and the Welshman will need to be replaced.

Both of Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb and Savinho have been linked with a move to Spurs, which suggests one of them could be a direct replacement for Johnson at right wing.

Guglielmo Vicario has come under fire many times this season, with Frank possibly in need of a new goalkeeper in January.

Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen is on Tottenham’s radar and could be both an affordable and sensible acquisition, who could be an upgrade on Vicario.

Time will tell, but Spurs don’t seem to be too affected by Paratici’s impending departure after all.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has revealed what Spurs fans can expect from their club in the January window.

Frank knows he needs to bolster his Tottenham side in January, as he attempts to guide Spurs back into serious European football contention.

Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace couldn’t have arrived at a better time for him either, with pressure massively building on Frank after defeats to Liverpool and Nottingham Forest prior.

Sack talk has mostly been shelved for now, as Spurs shift their focus towards another London derby away at Brentford on New Year’s Day.

Thomas Frank issues transfer plea to Tottenham fans

Tottenham already appear to have done their first piece of business this winter, with Brennan Johnson said to have agreed a £35million move to Crystal Palace.

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That will help boost the budget for January if it goes through, but Frank wants Spurs fans to be under no illusions as to how difficult it is to get deals done at this time of year.

Speaking in his pre-Brentford press conference via Football London, he revealed what his and the club’s thinking is regarding the type of players they will target, and how that marries up with the long-term plan for Premier League competitiveness.

“I think there’s a few things you need to understand. The January window is the most difficult window,” Frank began.

“So I understand it’s a window. Everyone is super excited, speaking about it. It will not stop after the 31 January. That’s the way it is. As I said, I can’t highlight enough. We are in the market. We are prepared. We are working, but I also think it’s super important, as I said before, every decision I take, or I take together with the other guys in terms of decision-making, is for the future of the club.”

Frank then touched upon the type of players he is looking to bring to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, saying: “So there’s no reason to sign a player if you don’t think it’s for the future of the club, if it is just helping a little bit the next six months.

“We need to build something sustainable that can be very strong and powerful. That journey takes time, and that journey needs to take good, clever decisions along the way.

“That’s maybe not ‘wow’, but good decisions that can make us more stable and more competitive and then we are from there. So we are there, but we’ll see what’s happening.”

Tottenham fans will be divided over Frank’s transfer comments

Frank undoubtedly made some fascinating comments regarding Tottenham’s transfer strategy under him, but they’ll be divisive ones among Spurs fans too.

Whilst all will surely agree that sustainability and forward, long-term thinking is important and pragmatic, at the end of the day, Tottenham fans want to see results on the pitch now.

Given how unstable his current position is, making what can be perceived as ‘club signings’ rather than targeting players that could perhaps arrive and make an instant impact straight away, could be a dangerous move by Frank, as he also needs to find stability in his own position in order to ensure he’s still around for when those long-term additions can hopefully come good.

Therefore, it may be wiser for him to target shorter-term, high-impact players that can serve to consolidate his position in charge, enjoy a strong second half of the season, and then start looking towards the future more in the summer when there’s far more certainty that he is Tottenham’s man in the dugout for the foreseeable.

Brennan Johnson is a player that former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou adores.

Tottenham are heading towards a vital January transfer window, with several deals set to be completed in and out for Thomas Frank.

Frank has been under major pressure, but some of that was relieved thanks to Spurs’ 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

However, it’s evident that his team needs to be bolstered in some key areas if they are to make a real push for a European football spot in the second half of the campaign.

Johnson could kickstart that.

Tottenham strike Crystal Palace agreement that will hurt Ange

Just hours before the January window is officially set to open, Tottenham appear to have done their first major piece of business.

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Crystal Palace are said to have agreed a £35million Brennan Johnson deal, which will bring to an end his time at Tottenham, if he makes the move.

Postecoglou was the manager who brought him to North London during his first transfer window in charge of Spurs, and he made no secret about how much he thought of the Welsh winger.

“He’s another exciting young player. He’s a real threat in the front third, and he’s a bit different to what we’ve already got,” Postecoglou told Tottenham’s website upon Johnson joining.

“He’s young, ambitious. It’s no secret that’s been the model for me, not just here, but wherever I’ve gone. It’s just as much about the person you’re bringing in as the footballer.

“Looking at him, he’s going to fit in really well with this group because he’s really ambitious and hungry, and he wants to take his game to another level. The technical and the physical attributes he has, I think he should fit in really well with us.”

Postecoglou also backed Johnson for a big 2025-26 season after scoring the winning goal in the Europa League final against Manchester United, which ultimately hasn’t happened.

“I’m hoping him [scoring the winner] on such a big stage, helps him come back next year as a mentality monster of I know what it takes to win, this is what I want again and that feeds onto everyone else.”

Brennan Johnson’s Tottenham career by the numbers

Johnson enjoyed a strong debut 2023-24 season as a Tottenham player, scoring five goals and providing 10 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.

However, he followed that up with a blockbuster campaign in 2024-25, scoring 18 goals and registering four assists in 51 total appearances, as he established himself as a key player in the side across numerous competitions.

Among Premier League players in his position last season, Johnson ranked in the top 9.9th percentile for goals per 90 (0.45) and the top 6.6th percentile for non-penalty xG (0.43), as per FotMob.

However, he’s been averaging just 0.30 goals per game in the Premier League this term, with a 0.15 non-penalty xG, which is a serious drop in both of those key metrics.

Indeed, he’s only played 605 minutes of top-flight football in 2025-25, scoring just two goals and failing to provide an assist in 16 league appearances.

It could be the right time to part ways.

Thomas Frank gives Lucas Bergvall injury update after worrying Tottenham scenes

Lucas Bergvall limped off during Tottenham’s win over Crystal Palace, sparking fears about his fitness during the busiest period of the season.

Archie Gray scored the only goal of the contest as Spurs secured a 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park on Sunday, to end a run of two consecutive defeats.

Thomas Frank’s side are now up to 11th in the Premier League, and just four points adrift of fifth-place Chelsea.

Tottenham face Brentford on New Year’s Day as they look to win back-to-back games away from home, and Frank has given an update on Bergvall’s fitness.

Thomas Frank ‘quite positive’ about Lucas Bergvall’s fitness

Bergvall was replaced by Joao Palhinha just after the hour mark against Crystal Palace, after picking up an apparent groin injury.

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It had looked as if Palhinha was going to come on for goalscorer Gray, but the Swedish midfielder went down just before the substitution was made, and subsequently hobbled off.

With Spurs’ trip to the Gtech Community Stadium coming just four days after their win over Palace, it looked unlikely that the 19-year-old would make the game.

However, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Frank has revealed that he is “quite positive” Bergvall will be available to face Brentford, adding that he only has a “small doubt” about his fitness.

Frank said: “Everyone [who was available for Palace] should be available. Lucas [Bergvall] is OK. I am quite positive that he will be available. Of course, there is a small doubt.”

Read More: Jamie Redknapp tells Thomas Frank the problem area Tottenham must strengthen in January

Lucas Bergvall must take his Tottenham chance

Bergvall has struggled for Tottenham at times this season and has failed to really nail down a place in the starting lineup.

The young midfielder has undoubted potential, but must start showing some consistency if he is going to be a success in North London.

Frank has handed the Swede nine Premier League starts this term, including each of the last two games, proving that he has faith in the teenager.

If Bergvall continues to get regular minutes over the next few weeks, then he will surely flourish into the player that Tottenham fans know he can become.

Ben Davies could be another Tottenham player to be sold in January, with several changes already on the cards.

Brennan Johnson is nearing a Spurs exit after a £35million deal was agreed with Crystal Palace on Tuesday that would see the Welshman switch from North to South London.

Davies is Tottenham’s current longest-serving player and has seen many highs and lows throughout his 11-year stay at N17.

The defender was part of Spurs’ winning Europa League squad, and perhaps played a little more than expected last season under Ange Postecoglou amid an injury crisis.

However, Davies has not been able to get regular game time under Thomas Frank, and it may finally be time for the turned centre-back to part ways with Tottenham after a new update.

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OGC Nice back in for Ben Davies

Davies has only managed to play just one time in the Premier League this campaign, with the single appearance coming off the bench in a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest this month.

The 32-year-old hasn’t even started a game in all competitions under Frank, as his only other outing was also off the bench in a win over Slavia Prague a couple of weeks ago.

Taking into account the veteran’s age, Davies will most likely seek regular playing time while he still can perform at a high level.

According to French outlet L’Equipe on Tuesday, OGC Nice are tracking Davies ahead of a potential winter move.

The French side were said to be “seriously” considering signing the Welshman when his Spurs contract was due to expire in the summer.

However, Tottenham activated a one-year extension, which ultimately led Nice to drop out of the race to sign Davies.

Nice are thought to be in somewhat of a defensive crisis, which means the Eagles may not decide to play the waiting game this time around.

With Davies’ contract set to expire in the summer of 2026, Tottenham now have a big decision to make.

Tottenham’s last chance to get fee for Davies

Although it would not be much, Spurs only have one window left to squeeze some money out of clubs for the signing of Davies.

It’s clear to see that Frank is not in favour of the experienced defender, which makes it a sensible idea to cash in on him now before he leaves for free next year.

However, there is also a possibility that a pre-contract can be arranged for Davies to join the French side in January, which would see him depart the Lilywhites upon expiry of his contract in June.

Davies is close to club legend status, and may be regarded as one by some, and he deserves to have one final run out as a Tottenham player before leaving.

Tottenham find Brennan Johnson replacement as Crystal Palace agreement reached

Brennan Johnson’s Tottenham career looks all but over as a move to Crystal Palace nears completion.

Tottenham are ready to be busy in the January transfer market, which also means sales may have to occur to make way for new signings.

Joe Lewis has a £150m pot of cash available for Thomas Frank to spend, as the Dane has the full trust of the Tottenham board ahead of the winter market’s opening.

Johnson has been linked with Crystal Palace in recent days, but after a new update, the deal seems to have picked up pace and is close to an official announcement.

Crystal Palace and Tottenham agree £35m deal for Brennan Johnson

Johnson was instrumental in Spurs winning the Europa League last season, scoring the only goal in the Lilywhites’ 1-0 win over Manchester United in the final.

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However, the winger has failed to make an impression under Frank, and, as a result, has been left on the bench many times already this campaign.

According to David Ornstein on Tuesday, Tottenham and Crystal Palace have reached an agreement over Johnson in a deal that’s approaching £35million.

The move is now in the hands of the Welshman, who is yet to decide if he wants to join the Eagles or stay in N17 unwanted.

Given recent speculation, it seems like the Lilywhites have been anticipating the sale of Johnson, with his replacement seemingly lined up.

Oscar Bobb could be Johnson’s replacement

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham have been tracking the potential signing of Manchester City’s Oscar Bobb and “admire” the forward.

The 22-year-old is a right-winger who has earned high praise from Pep Guardiola and already contributed to many title-winning seasons at the Etihad Stadium at such a young age.

Bobb is a tricky forward who offers something different to Johnson and could be the creative spark that Frank needs in attack.

The Norwegian’s potential arrival could throw up a question over Mohammed Kudus’ future role at Spurs, as Bobb would provide direct competition on the right.

With Johnson’s deal almost complete, Bobb is someone who Spurs could put their foot on the gas to sign.

Jamie Donley has endured a nightmare spell on loan at Stoke City this season.

Tottenham are expected to be busy in the January transfer window, with several outgoings likely ahead of some new signings.

Thomas Frank is under major pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and needs a good winter, both on and off the pitch, to solidify his position.

Spurs beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday, easing the tension slightly after back-to-back defeats to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, respectively, but more work is needed.

It could start with Donley.

Spurs set to take Jamie Donley action

Donley signed for Stoke City on a season-long loan deal this summer, after the 20-year-old attacking midfielder shone in League One with Leyton Orient last season.

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The Tottenham academy graduate scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 52 total appearances for the Orient in 2024-25, showcasing why he’s been highly thought of at Spurs for some time.

However, Donley has made just six appearances in all competitions for Stoke so far this season, with only four of those coming in the Championship, providing one assist and zero goals.

Now, in a fresh update from transfer reporter Alan Nixon via Patreon, Tottenham should recall Donley at some point in the next couple of days.

But, he may not be back for long, with Bolton already sniffing around the Northern Ireland international for the second half of the season.

Nixon states that Tottenham may well be happy to see the attacker go back to League One as well.

Donley should’ve made more of Stoke City opportunity

Despite being highly rated at Tottenham for several years now, Donley needs to prove himself at a higher level than League One if he’s going to have a future in North London.

At Stoke, he landed in a favourable situation to show his quality at Championship level, working under a manager in Mark Robins, who is renowned as one of the best coaches at second-tier level.

Stoke’s regular starter there, Lewis Baker, has been out injured since early November, and 22-year-old Bae Junho has been inconsistent and is potentially looking at a January exit too.

Therefore, Donley had a big opportunity to carve out a key starting role at the Bet365 Stadium, but he simply hasn’t been in Robins’ thinking, which is concerning.

So, if Donley wants to make a career of it at Tottenham, then he’s going to need to show he can perform at a higher level than third-tier football soon.

Thomas Frank handed brilliant lifeline as promising Tottenham reveal ahead of Brentford

Tottenham’s first game of 2026 sees them travel to Brentford on New Year’s Day.

Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 on 6 December, but Thursday’s meeting represents the first time Thomas Frank returns to his old side since leaving them in the summer.

Frank is under pressure at Spurs after an underwhelming start to the season, and 2025 has certainly been a chaotic year in N17, as Ange Postecoglou won the Europa League but was later sacked.

Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday has certainly left supporters optimistic that their league form can improve, and the Lilywhites have a brilliant record against their upcoming opponents.

Tottenham poised to beat Brentford, according to brilliant stats

The Bees demolished Bournemouth 4-1 in their last match, with Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade performing brilliantly for Keith Andrews’ side at the Gtech Community Stadium.

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Tottenham have won their last four Premier League matches against Brentford and have only lost one in nine overall, a 3-1 defeat in May 2023.

Brentford have failed to win any of their four Premier League home games against Spurs, with three consecutive draws being followed by a 2-0 defeat last season.

Tottenham have lost their first league game in two of the last three calendar years, including a 2-1 home loss to Newcastle in 2025.

However, they’ve not lost their opening league game in consecutive calendar years since 2008/2009.

Spurs have played eight London derbies on New Year’s Day in the league previously and only lost once, a 3-0 defeat to West Ham in 1983.

Micky van de Ven was excellent against Palace, and after nullifying Jean-Philippe Mateta’s threat with ease, he faces another tricky match-up against the prolific Thiago.

Micky van de Ven set for another huge test against Igor Thiago

On Sunday, he won 100 per cent of his ground duels as Spurs returned to winning ways on the road.

Alongside Kevin Danso, Van de Ven handled Mateta comfortably, but Thiago has been one of the breakout stars of the 2025-26 season.

The Brazilian striker has scored 11 goals in the top flight, with only Erling Haaland scoring more (19).

At 191cm, Thiago has been a handful for all defenders this season, and Van de Ven’s aerial duel success rate of 37.7 per cent isn’t promising at all.

With Cristian Romero returning from suspension, the Dutch defender is in the best position to continue his good run of form, but his work will certainly be cut out for him.

Troy Deeney raves about ‘fantastic’ Tottenham duo who excelled in Crystal Palace win

Troy Deeney was incredibly impressed with how Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday.

Archie Gray’s first senior goal was enough for Thomas Frank’s side to claim all three points as they moved up to 11th in the Premier League table.

Frank was under pressure going into the match, but seeing out their one-goal advantage sowed seeds of promise among the Tottenham fans who haven’t been impressed with their performances this season.

Spurs head into 2026 with a fresh wave of optimism, and Gray and Kevin Danso were singled out by Deeney for their impressive displays at Selhurst Park.

Troy Deeney heaps praise on what Kevin Danso did vs Crystal Palace

The Austrian defender has been a useful asset, with his long throws becoming incredibly valuable for Frank.

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Against the Eagles, he had the tough task of containing the impressive Jean-Philippe Mateta, but he did that with relative ease as Spurs secured their sixth clean sheet of the season.

Deeney named Danso and Gray in his Premier League Team of the Week, and when talking about the defender, he said: “He was going to Wolves at one point, but Spurs swooped in and signed him.

“I think he was meant to be a squad player, but every time he steps in, he’s fantastic. He doesn’t do anything wrong. He just delivers on what he’s supposed to do.”

According to FotMob, the 27-year-old won 78 per cent of his aerial duels and 57 per cent of his ground duels.

Danso leads the way for the most clearances per 90 of any Premier League player (10.7), and he has no issue with putting his body on the line for the benefit of the team.

Often playing second fiddle to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Danso has thrived every time he has been allowed to start and is more than capable of filling their shoes when he is called upon.

Archie Gray playing himself into contention for England

Gray scored his first professional goal in his 122nd senior appearance, and the joy was etched on his face in his celebration.

Deeney said: “Simply put: he got the winner and he’s done every single thing that Spurs have asked of him – played left-back, played right-back, played right wing. You name it, he’s done it all. I think he goes in for that situation.”

Gray registered a pass accuracy of 78 per cent against Palace, while also having three touches in the opposition box, despite playing in defensive midfield.

At just 19 years of age, a huge amount of responsibility has been placed on him already, even having to play centre-back under Ange Postecoglou for parts of the 2024-25 campaign.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, there seems to be no reason why he can’t be on Thomas Tuchel’s mind.

England have several gaps across their backline that desperately need addressing, and Gray’s vast experience and versatility at such a young age is almost unheard of at this level.

For now, he needs to keep his head and continue to perform for the Lilywhites, and if he continues down this path, he may have an outside chance of being selected in Tuchel’s final squad.