Sports Mole

What some expected to be a snoozefest between Manchester City and Arsenal ended up being one of the most absorbing Premier League matches of the season so far, as last season's top two contested a manic 2-2 draw on Sunday afternoon.

City's point - which only came in the 98th minute thanks to the boot of John Stones - just about kept them at the summit ahead of Liverpool, who put three past Bournemouth without reply on Saturday, while Aston Villa fought back to sink Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also enjoyed successful outings in London derbies, as the Blues eased past a pitiful West Ham United 3-0, while Spurs ensured another early Brentford goal would prove meaningless in a 3-1 win.

However, Manchester United were thwarted by a former flame in a goalless draw with Crystal Palace, and Newcastle United lost their unbeaten streak in a 3-1 beatdown versus Fulham.

Elsewhere, Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest contested a fiery 2-2 stalemate - which saw both managers sent off at the end - Everton and Leicester City remain winless after a 1-1 draw, as do Southampton and Ipswich Town courtesy of their identical stalemate.

Here, Sports Mole picks its Team of the Week for the latest round of Premier League fixtures.

DEFENCE

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Not for the first time this season, we were spoiled for choice in between the posts, as Andre Onana, Robert Sanchez and David Raya all shone in gameweek five. However, Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson - whose time at Man United ended acrimoniously - enjoyed the performance he likely dreamt about against the Red Devils. Five of his seven saves came in the first half, where he prevented 1.31 Expected Goals (xG), while he also made three high claims and two successful run-outs to keep his old team at bay.

Hardly known for his proficiency in the opposition's penalty box, Aston Villa man Ezri Konsa found a clinical touch just when his side needed it most, volleying home at the back stick to complete the Lions' late comeback versus Wolves. The England international also put in two tackles and completed 97% of his passes on the day, as he continues to prove his worth as a cornerstone of Unai Emery's side.

However, Villa only found joy against the Wolves backline after Yerson Mosquera was forced off on a stretcher, as the Old Gold collapsed following the 23-year-old's crushing injury blow. Before being carried away, Mosquera came up with five clearances - including one off the line - three interceptions and two blocks, as well as completing eight of his 10 long passes, and Gary O'Neil can only pray that his problem is not as serious as first feared.

This weekend's central pairing hails from South America, as Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhaes finds himself in the rearguard for the second time in a row. The Gunners experienced deja vu twice versus Man City, one for the Leandro Trossard red card and the other from the Brazilian nodding in Bukayo Saka's brilliant corner to give Mikel Arteta's men an unexpected lead, and he was key to the valiant defensive effort which so nearly saw the visitors end their Etihad hoodoo.

Arsenal were not the only team to concede a crushing injury-time equaliser at the weekend, sharing that fate with newly-promoted Southampton as the Saints were left to rue what could have been against Ipswich Town. However, Charlie Taylor put in an exemplary display on the left, with 11 clearances, two tackles and a 100% aerial success rate from three duels off the ground.

MIDFIELD

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The James Maddison of late 2023 was on show in Tottenham's victory over Brentford, just when Spurs were crying out for some creativity. The Englishman was alert to an Ethan Pinnock mistake and claimed the 'assist' - at least in Fantasy Football terms - for Dominic Solanke's first Tottenham goal, before calming any late nerves with a sublime second-half chip to cap off a midfield masterclass.

One of two former Leicester City lynchpins to man the midfield this week, Maddison is joined in the engine room by Youri Tielemans, whose playmaking skills stole the spotlight against Wolves. After providing a delightful cross for Konsa to finish - one of two big chances he created - the Belgian also produced a slick turn in the build-up to Jhon Duran's insurance goal; not a bad week for a player who also won the Man of the Match prize in Villa's Champions League win over BSC Young Boys.

While one team in claret revelled in victory at the weekend, West Ham were carved open at will by Chelsea, who had Moises Caicedo to thank for a lot of everything that went right. The Ecuadorian's inch-perfect through ball for Nicolas Jackson took out the entire Irons' backline and non-existent midfield, while he also put in an astounding eight tackles in one of his best displays in Chelsea blue so far.

ATTACK

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Moving into the top 20 for all-time Premier League assists, Tottenham skipper Son Heung-min now sits on 64 for his English top-flight career thanks to his helpers for Maddison and Brennan Johnson, which came from a staggering seven chances he created throughout the triumph over Brentford.

As Son grabbed a pair of assists on Saturday, Liverpool wing wizard Luis Diaz extended his prolific Premier League streak to move onto five strikes for the season already, capitalising on Kepa Arrizabalaga's decision to venture out of his goal for his first before an ice-cool finish through the legs of the Spaniard.

Erling Haaland's 100th goal for Man City is worthy of a shout-out, but the Norwegian was outshone by rejuvenated Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, who had a hand in all three of his side's goals at the London Stadium. From a composed strike at Alphonse Areola's near post to a slick outside-of-the-boot finish, the Senegalese striker then turned provider for Cole Palmer to rubber-stamp all three points on a day of derby delight for Enzo Maresca.

SPORTS MOLE'S PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK

Tottenham Hotspur survived a huge early scare to end a two-game losing run in the Premier League with a 3-1 victory over London rivals Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

After Bryan Mbeumo needed a matter of seconds to break the deadlock, first-time scorer Dominic Solanke and the revitalised Brennan Johnson replied in the first half, before James Maddison laid any doubts to rest with a few minutes remaining.

During a weekend of dramatic thunderstorms across the UK, lightning appropriately struck twice for Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the first half of their loss to Manchester City last week was replicated almost to a tee.

Indeed, Mbeumo left the home crowd dumbfounded with a stunning volley after just 23 seconds of the match, but the Cameroonian had inadvertently poked the Ange Postecoglou bear, as Spurs fired back through two popular scorers.

Solanke's first goal for the Lilywhites - a straightforward tap-in - preceded Johnson's second in as many matches, and there was often no way out for Thomas Frank's side before the half-time whistle blew.

The hosts could and probably should have put the game to bed in the first 45, and they were incredibly fortunate not to lose goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario early in the second half, as the officials missed the Italian handling the ball outside the area.

To rub salt into the wounds, Vicario then made a couple of crucial saves to preserve Spurs' slender lead, before Maddison - who had been terrific all afternoon - produced a delicate dink to wrap up a much-needed win for Tottenham.

Spurs' victory temporarily lifts them back into the top half of the table in 10th place, leapfrogging Brentford in the process, as the Bees slip to 12th but will certainly have a thing or two to say about the Vicario incident.

TOTTENHAM VS. BRENTFORD HIGHLIGHTS

Bryan Mbeumo goal vs. Tottenham (1st min, Tottenham 0-1 Brentford)

Death, taxes, and Brentford scoring within the first minute of a match! After Yoane Wissa - out of Saturday's game through injury - needed just 22 seconds to break the deadlock against Man City, his partner in crime Mbeumo now takes a mere 23 to silence Spurs!

Frank's side waste no time in attacking the Tottenham defence, and Keane Lewis-Potter sends in a terrific cross into the Spurs box, where Mbeumo wraps his left foot around the ball and fires in an exquisite volley into the top corner.

Micky van de Ven certainly could have got tighter to the Cameroonian, but take nothing away from the astounding finish. A penny for Postecoglou's thoughts...

Dominic Solanke goal vs. Brentford (8th min, Tottenham 1-1 Brentford)

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Taking a leaf out of Manchester City's book, Tottenham waste no time in getting back on level terms after Brentford's first-minute opener, and Solanke finally opens his Lilywhites account.

Maddison picks up a poor pass from Ethan Pinnock and forces a save from Mark Flekken, who can only parry the ball into the path of Solanke, and the £65m could not have wished for an easier first Tottenham goal.

Brennan Johnson goal vs. Brentford (28th min, Tottenham 2-1 Brentford)

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Deja vu for the visitors, delight for the Lilywhites! After his critical goal for Spurs in their midweek EFL Cup win over Coventry City, Johnson again completes the Tottenham turnaround.

The Welshman comfortably evades the attention of Nathan Collins on the right-hand side, and his low strike fizzes into the far side of the net. No matter who you support, it is hard not to smile at Johnson's brilliant week after his extremely tough time.

Guglielmo Vicario possible red card vs. Brentford (58th minute, Tottenham 2-1 Brentford)

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Guglielmo Vicario is a lucky, lucky boy. The Tottenham goalkeeper makes a real meal of trying to pluck the ball out of the air and appears to deliberately handle outside the area during a desperate flapping episode.

However, referee John Brooks does nothing - apart from booking Frank and Kristoffer Ajer for their protests - and there is no intervention from the VAR room either.

James Maddison goal vs. Brentford (85th minute, Tottenham 3-1 Brentford)

You could have cut the tension inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a knife, but playmaker-in-chief Maddison puts the result beyond any reasonable doubt with five minutes of normal time remaining!

Spurs turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye, and a rapid counter-attack ends with Son Heung-min teeing up Maddison to calmly chip the ball over the onrushing Flekken. Three points in the bag.

MAN OF THE MATCH - JAMES MADDISON

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Both Maddison and Son - who ended the derby with two assists to his name - were standout candidates for the man of the match prize, but the Englishman just shades it on this occasion, having looked more like the player he was 12 months ago.

In addition to his well-taken goal, which calmed growing nerves in North London, Maddison created three chances, drew four fouls and won 10 ground duels in a masterful midfield performance, just when Spurs were crying out for some creativity.

TOTTENHAM VS. BRENTFORD MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham 48%-52% Brentford

Shots: Tottenham 23-6 Brentford

Shots on target: Tottenham 10-6 Brentford

Corners: Tottenham 9-4 Brentford

Fouls: Tottenham 11-9 Brentford

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Continental matters now take centre stage for Tottenham, who host Qarabag in Thursday's Europa League opener before resuming Premier League action with a blockbuster meeting against Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 29.

Meanwhile, Brentford have a full week to rest up before they go again in another London derby, hosting West Ham United at the Gtech Community Stadium next Saturday.

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On Sunday, Tottenham Hotspur Women will kick off their Women's Super League campaign with a home clash against Crystal Palace Women.

The Eagles are making their first appearance in the WSL after winning promotion from the Women's Championship last season.

Match preview

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Tottenham Hotspur would have been satisfied with their work in Robert Vilahamn's first season in charge after they achieved a sixth-place league finish and made an appearance in the Women's FA Cup final.

Unfortunately for the Spurs, their cup journey ended in disappointment as they fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat against Manchester United at Wembley.

After laying some positive foundations last season, Tottenham will be looking to kick on with a squad that has been bolstered by the additions of Katelin Talbert, Clare Hunt, Amanda Nilden, Ella Morris, Anna Csiki, Maite Oroz and Hayley Raso.

One of Tottenham's targets for the new season will offer a greater attacking threat on home turf after they scored more than one goal in just two of their 11 home league matches last season.

Spurs will hope to showcase their firepower in their first meeting with Palace since November 2019, and they will fancy their chances of claiming all three points after winning their last four competitive head-to-head matches.

Meanwhile, Palace have replaced Bristol City in the top flight after they held off the likes of Charlton Athletic and Sunderland to secure promotion last term.

The Eagles won 14, drew four and lost four of their 22 league matches to finish top of the standings and one point clear of second-placed Charlton.

As the only new side in the WSL, Palace's main aim will be to avoid an immediate return to the Women's Championship.

In an attempt to stave off relegation, Laura Kaminski has strengthened her squad with 14 new additions, including Brooke Aspin, Poppy Pritchard, Lily Woodham, Mille Gejl, Ashleigh Weerden and Katie Stengel.

Kaminski, who previously worked as an assistant coach at Spurs, will hope her new-look squad can spring a surprise to claim a win in her first match as a WSL manager.

Tottenham Hotspur Women form (friendlies):

Crystal Palace Women form (friendlies):

Team News

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Vilahamn has revealed that Amy James-Turner has sustained a concussion and will be forced to miss the opening match of the season.

The Tottenham boss also confirmed that he will be unable to call upon Morris and Shuang Wang due to "small" injury issues.

Spurs captain Bethany England will offer one of the main attacking threats, having scored 17 goals in her 26 WSL appearances as a Tottenham player.

As for the newly-promoted visitors, they are without the services of Hayley Nolan and Elise Hughes due to shoulder and knee injuries.

The Eagles were dealt a significant blow in midweek after it was confirmed that Chelsea loanee Jorja Fox had sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Talbert; Buhler, Hunt, Bartrip, Nilden; Csiki, Ahtinen, Vinberg; Raso, Naz, England

Crystal Palace Women possible starting lineup:

Yanez; Atkinson, Aspin, Everett, Woodham; Riley, Potter, Gejl, Cato, Weerden; Stengel

We say: Tottenham Hotspur Women 3-1 Crystal Palace Women

Palace have certainly made an effort to prepare themselves for the top flight with a number of new additions, but the step up will still prove to be a challenge, and we think they could be given a reality check in their opening game against Spurs.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Taking part in their second straight Premier League London derby, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Brentford to their home on Saturday afternoon.

Both teams fought back from a goal down in midweek EFL Cup games, as Ange Postecoglou's side got the better of Coventry City late on while the Bees saw off Leyton Orient, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. BRENTFORD

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Richarlison (unspecified)

Doubtful: Yves Bissouma (groin), Timo Werner (unspecified)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

BRENTFORD

Out: Yoane Wissa (ankle). Josh Dasilva (knee), Gustavo Nunes (back), Mathias Jensen (calf), Igor Thiago (knee), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Rico Henry (muscle)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Norgaard; Carvalho; Mbeumo, Schade

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Locking horns after respective comeback victories in the EFL Cup, Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford clash in Saturday's Premier League London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou's side were on the cusp of a shock loss to Coventry City in midweek, only for substitutes to save the Australian's bacon in an underwhelming 2-1 third-round success.

Meanwhile, the Bees also fell a goal down to Leyton Orient before pulling off a more impressive turnaround, netting three times before the break in a 3-1 win at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Tottenham head into the weekend four places and two points worse off than their rivals in the Premier League standings, though, having only prevailed in one of their four fixtures in 2024-25 thus far.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between the two sides.

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Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 48

Spurs wins: 25

Draws: 16

Brentford wins: 7

Owing to Brentford's lengthy absence from the top flight of English football, meetings between the Bees and Tottenham have not been commonplace in the 21st century, but they are nearly at the half-century mark for competitive matches.

Indeed, the two capital rivals have clashed on 48 occasions down the years, and Spurs have unsurprisingly often held the bragging rights, coming up with 25 victories compared to a measly seven for Brentford - another 16 games have ended all square.

Spurs' most recent success came in the last derby between these two top-flight clubs in January 2024, where Postecoglou's men won a five-goal thriller 3-2, continuing the theme of regular goalmouth entertainment in this head-to-head.

That thrilling triumph actually marked the end of Spurs' four-match winless run against Brentford, who from April 2022 to August 2023 held Tottenham to three draws and also marched to an unexpected 3-1 away win towards the end of the 2022-23 season.

Postecoglou's first competitive match as Tottenham manager came at the Gtech Community Stadium, where his side and Brentford shared the spoils in a 2-2 stalemate; there have now been a mammoth 17 goals scored in the last four contests between the two clubs.

Before Brentford's Premier League promotion, the Bees and Spurs met exclusively in cup contests for a number of decades; the Lilywhites prevailed 2-0 in a one-legged EFL Cup semi-final in 2021 and also triumphed in second-round ties in 2000, 1998 and 1992.

Also regular Second Division foes in the late 1940s, Tottenham and Brentford's head-to-head history extends as far back as 1902, when the two outfits squared off in the Southern League, Western League and London League.

Among the documented scorers in this fixture, Teddy Sheringham and Bryan Mbeumo lead the way with three goals apiece; the latter could therefore overtake the former Spurs man by making the net ripple on Saturday.

Last 20 meetings

Jan 31, 2024: Spurs 3-2 Brentford (Premier League)

Aug 13, 2023: Brentford 2-2 Spurs (Premier League)

May 20, 2023: Spurs 1-3 Brentford (Premier League)

Dec 26, 2022: Brentford 2-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Apr 23, 2022: Brentford 0-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Dec 02, 2021: Spurs 2-0 Brentford (Premier League)

Jan 05, 2021: Spurs 2-0 Brentford (EFL Cup Semi-Finals)

Sep 26, 2000: Spurs 2-0 Brentford (EFL Cup Second Round Second Leg)

Sep 19, 2000: Brentford 0-0 Spurs (EFL Cup Second Round First Leg)

Sep 23, 1998: Spurs 3-2 Brentford (EFL Cup Second Round Second Leg)

Sep 15, 1998: Brentford 2-3 Spurs (EFL Cup Second Round First Leg)

Oct 7, 1992: Brentford 2-4 Spurs (EFL Cup Second Round Second Leg)

Sep 21, 1992: Spurs 3-1 Brentford (EFL Cup Second Round First Leg)

Dec 17, 1949: Spurs 1-1 Brentford (Second Division)

Aug 20, 1949: Brentford 1-4 Spurs (Second Division)

Apr 18, 1949: Brentford 1-1 Spurs (Second Division)

Mar 20, 1948: Brentford 2-0 Spurs (Second Division)

Nov 1, 1947: Spurs 4-0 Brentford (Second Division)

Jan 10, 1946: Brentford 2-0 Spurs (FA Cup Third Round Replay)

Jan 5, 1946: Spurs 2-2 Brentford (FA Cup Third Round)

Last six Premier League meetings

Jan 31, 2024: Spurs 3-2 Brentford (Premier League)

Aug 13, 2023: Brentford 2-2 Spurs (Premier League)

May 20, 2023: Spurs 1-3 Brentford (Premier League)

Dec 26, 2022: Brentford 2-2 Spurs (Premier League)

Apr 23, 2022: Brentford 0-0 Spurs (Premier League)

Dec 02, 2021: Spurs 2-0 Brentford (Premier League)

Read more on Spurs vs Brentford

Two new concerns: Tottenham injury, suspension list for Brentford clash

Click here to read our full preview for Spurs vs Brentford

Postecoglou rings the changes: Spurs predicted XI against Brentford

Who will replace Wissa? Brentford predicted XI against Tottenham

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After both coming from behind to eliminate lower-league opposition in the EFL Cup, London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford lock horns in Saturday's Premier League London derby.

Ange Postecoglou's men made life incredibly difficult for themselves against Coventry City but eventually got the job done by two goals to one, while the Bees were 3-1 victors over Leyton Orient.

Match preview

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A day on from doubling down on his claim that he "always" wins trophies in his second year in a job - a factually correct statement for the time being - Spurs boss Postecoglou was a few minutes away from seeing Tottenham's hopes of EFL Cup stardom crash and burn in Coventry.

The lacklustre Lilywhites could have had few complaints if Brandon Thomas-Asante's strike proved to be the winner, but Postecoglou's embarrassment was spared by a pair of inspired substitutes right at the death, as Djed Spence and the recently-vilified Brennan Johnson completed a striking turnaround.

As abysmal as Tottenham's attacking display was, the manner of the Lilywhites' dramatic success offers a sliver of hope that Wednesday's victory could be the catalyst for a change in fortunes, as Spurs have been a shadow of their former selves from 12 months ago.

Indeed, Tottenham could not even beat a weakened Arsenal team on their own patch last weekend, where set-piece weaknesses reared their ugly heads once more as Gabriel Magalhaes headed home a second-half corner, the 25th Premier League goal that Saturday's hosts have conceded from dead-ball situations since the start of last term.

Residing in an unlucky 13th place in the standings on account of their underwhelming start, Spurs now endeavour to avoid losing three of their first five games of a new season for the first time since 2008, when Juande Ramos left his post after just eight games of that campaign.

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While Brentford were also made to do it the hard way in their EFL Cup third-round tie with Leyton Orient, who took a shock lead at the Gtech Community Stadium via an 11th-minute Brandon Cooper effort, the Bees faithful did not have to wait until minute 88 for their side to come good in the final third.

Just six minutes after Cooper's opener, ex-Liverpool starlet Fabio Carvalho got Brentford back to square one with a phenomenal overhead kick, before Mikkel Damsgaard's header and a crisp Christian Norgaard strike saw Thomas Frank's men avoid an almighty upset.

The Bees' 3-1 success saw them prolong their 100% record at the Gtech Community Stadium this term, having also overcome Crystal Palace and Southampton on familiar turf, but Frank's men are now facing a third straight away fixture against one of the so-called 'Big Six'.

Brentford are one of three teams without an away point after two matches this season, but they have been forced to pit their wits against Liverpool at Anfield and Manchester City at the Etihad, giving the champions a massive scare last week only to succumb to an Erling Haaland double.

Each of the visitors' last four away North London derbies last season also ended in defeat, and January's trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium saw Frank's crop go down 3-2. Entertainment should be a guarantee on Saturday afternoon, though; the last four meetings between the London rivals have seen a staggering 17 goals.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Brentford Premier League form:

Brentford form (all competitions):

Team News

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Tottenham's offensive ranks could be depleted by two fresh attacking absences this weekend, as Wilson Odobert and Timo Werner were both forced off in the victory over Coventry; Postecoglou has admitted that the former's issue looks serious.

The severity of Werner's knock has not yet been ascertained, but the German put in an atrocious display on Wednesday and would have surely dropped out either way; Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski are primed and ready for attacking recalls.

Yves Bissouma (groin) and Richarlison (unspecified) are also in the Tottenham treatment room, although Postecoglou is optimistic that the former's issue will settle down in time for him to make an appearance on Saturday.

Brentford came through their midweek success without any fresh injury concerns, but early Etihad goalscorer Yoane Wissa is confirmed to be facing a couple of months on the sidelines with the ankle issue he sustained against the champions last week - a devastating blow to the Ivan Toney-less visitors.

Wissa joins Josh Dasilva (knee), Gustavo Nunes (back), Mathias Jensen (calf), Igor Thiago (knee), Aaron Hickey (thigh) and Rico Henry (muscle) on the sidelines; the latter was on the verge of returning from a long-term knee injury before picking up a fresh muscle issue.

With Wissa in the infirmary, Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade could act as Brentford's front two for the next several weeks, although Carvalho's acrobatics on Wednesday may have given Frank food for thought up front.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Janelt, Norgaard; Carvalho; Mbeumo, Schade

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Brentford

In spite of Tottenham's lackadaisical attacking displays so far this season, they should not be short of chances to carve Brentford open; Mark Flekken has already been forced into a league-high 22 saves so far this season.

Postecoglou's men should therefore find their way through at least once, and a first-choice defence can then keep a depleted Bees frontline at bay.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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After surviving a monumental scare in the EFL Cup, Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League duty at home to London rivals Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

The Lilywhites were minutes away from seeing another shot at silverware pass them by on Wednesday night, only for late Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson goals to break Coventry City hearts in a 2-1 third-round victory.

Prior to scraping through in the cup, Ange Postecoglou's side were subjected to an agonising 1-0 North London derby defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League, leaving them with just one win from their opening four games as they languish in 13th spot.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with the Bees, who can also look forward to an EFL Cup fourth-round showdown thanks to a 3-1 win over Leyton Orient in midweek.

Wilson Odobert

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: September 21 (vs. Brentford)

Just 18 minutes into Wednesday's win over Coventry, Wilson Odobert was forced off the field with a suspected hamstring injury, meaning that he is highly unlikely to be seen on the pitch on Saturday.

Timo Werner

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: September 21 (vs. Brentford)

Odobert was one of two Tottenham casualties on Wednesday evening, as Timo Werner - whose performance attracted severe criticism - was also forced off towards the end and has emerged as a major doubt for the weekend.

Yves Bissouma

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Groin

Possible return date: September 21 (vs. Brentford)

Yves Bissouma is still struggling with the groin problem that he picked up during the last international break, but Postecoglou is keeping his fingers crossed that he will be available for the clash with the Bees.

Richarlison

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Unspecified

Possible return date: September 26 (vs. Qarabag)

Richarlison is still working his way back from the unspecified training injury he picked up at the end of August, and the Brazilian is now expected to return before next week's Europa League opener against Qarabag at the earliest.

TOTTENHAM'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham have no players suspended for this match.

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed yet another injury blow, as Wilson Odobert was forced off with a suspected hamstring issue against Coventry City in the EFL Cup.

The 19-year-old - a surprise summer signing from Burnley - was one of eight players brought into the first XI by Ange Postecoglou for the clash with the Championship side, making his third start of the season.

However, Odobert was only on the pitch for 18 minutes before having to be replaced with an injury, which according to Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold appears to be hamstring-related.

Gold reports that Odobert was sprinting back after losing possession before dropping to the turf, and he gingerly trudged off the field as Brennan Johnson came on in his place.

Postecoglou should deliver an update on Odobert's issue in his post-match press conference, but the teenager has already emerged for upcoming clashes with Brentford, Qarabag and Manchester United before the end of the month.

Tottenham are also without Richarlison and Yves Bissouma due to their own fitness problems, although Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke both recovered from their concerns before the weekend's North London derby loss to Arsenal.

No Data Analysis info

Tottenham Hotspur will aim to take an important step towards ending their 16-year trophy drought as they face Coventry City in the EFL Cup third round on Wednesday night.

The Lilywhites are looking to bounce back quickly following a North London derby defeat on the weekend, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs ahead of the midweek clash.

COVENTRY CITY vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

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COVENTRY CITY

Out: Ben Sheaf (leg), Raphael Borges Rodrigues (leg), Tatsuhiro Sakamoto (ankle)

Doubtful: Joel Latibeaudiere (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Wilson; Van Ewijk, Binks, Thomas, Bidwell; Allen, Eccles, Mason-Clark, Rudoni, Wright; Simms

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Richarlison (muscle)

Doubtful: Yves Bissouma (knock)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Forster; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Davies; Gray, Sarr, Kulusevski; Werner, Odobert, Solanke

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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