By Milcah Tanimu
As Tottenham Hotspur navigates a season without European competitions and cup fixtures, their primary focus shifts to the Premier League. Currently standing in fifth place, with Champions League qualification still within reach, Spurs are gearing up for a crucial period of fixtures that could shape their season.
With no Europe and cup competitions on the horizon, Tottenham’s attention is solely on the Premier League, and the next few weeks are vital for their top-four aspirations. Despite some key players missing from the lineup, including Heung-min Son, the matches against Brentford, Everton, Brighton, and Wolves present an opportunity to accumulate points and remain in contention.
The upcoming clash with Brentford on Wednesday is particularly significant. The last meeting between the two sides, which welcomed the Ange Postecoglou era last August, ended in a 2-2 draw. Cristian Romero and Emerson Royal found the net for Spurs, with both goals assisted by James Maddison, who played a pivotal role and is anticipated to return to the starting lineup.
Match Details:
-Teams: Tottenham Hotspur (5th, 40pts) vs. Brentford (15th, 22pts)
– *Date:* Wednesday, January 31
– *Time:* 2:30 pm ET, 7:30 pm UK
– *Location:* Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
– *TV:* USA Network (USA), TNT Sports 2 (UK)
Brentford, currently in the 15th position with 22 points, hasn’t had the season they hoped for after finishing ninth in the previous year. However, the return of Ivan Toney, who controversially scored in his comeback, provides optimism for an upward trajectory. Despite their defensive challenges, Toney’s presence is expected to boost Brentford’s attacking prowess.
The absence of Heung-min Son for Spurs remains a challenge, but the potential return of James Maddison promises to inject creativity into the lineup. Postecoglou may opt for a frontline featuring Dejan Kulusevski and Maddison, capitalizing on the vulnerabilities in Brentford’s defense.
As Tottenham looks to secure valuable points at home, Maddison’s skill and playmaking abilities are crucial. His return could be a catalyst for rejuvenating the team’s creativity, providing an edge in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
Stay tuned for an exciting encounter at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as both teams aim to make an impact in the Premier League standings.