What better way to kick off the first Super Sunday of the season than a London derby.
There was just one point separating the two sides last season as both teams narrowly missed out on a European place, with Spurs having only beaten Brentford once since their promotion to the Premier League in 2021.
On paper it looks like a rather favourable tie for the home side, with Thomas Frank's side boasting a strong record against opposition from the capital, going unbeaten in their last nine fixtures, a record that stretches back to September 2022.
It's not all negatives for Spurs fans. The Lilywhites have lost just one of their last seven opening league games - a defeat that came under former manager, Jose Mourinho.
Tottenham have also walked away with all three points in each of their last two away London derbies, beating Crystal Palace and Fulham in January 2023. They had only managed two wins from their previous 19 such games.
There is no doubt Brentford will be looking to build on the successes of the previous campaign, but may find it difficult without star striker, Ivan Toney. Likewise, Ange Postecoglou will have to find a solution in attack as Harry Kane completed his switch to Bayern Munich this week.
Kane netted 43% of Spurs’ Premier League goals last season while Toney while Toney notched 34% of the Bees' tally. Therefore, the approach both Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou take with their main men absent will be intriguing to witness on the opening weekend.
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Team News
Brentford
Thomas Frank provided some positive news in terms of injuries on Friday in his first press conference of the season.
The Dane confirmed that Bryan Mbuemo will start this weekend despite the forward being an initial doubt with a leg injury.
Christian Norgaard is in contention to play a part in Sunday's game while Frank Onyeka will be assessed ahead of the clash.
Ivan Toney is serving his eight-month ban for 232 breaches of the FA's betting laws.
Thomas Frank is likely to give a debut to goalkeeper Mark Flekken, with David Raya set to complete his move to Arsenal in the coming days. Nathan Collins will also be another possible inclusion, which will help bolster the Bees defence.
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou has a number of absentees going into the weekend with Bryan Gil (groin), Fraser Forster (back), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) and Rodrigo Bentancur (cruciate ligament) all unavailable.
Hugo Lloris, who is still looking for a move away from North London, is out with a hip injury.
New signings Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison are tipped to make their first competitive starts for Spurs, with Postecoglou pleased what he has seen from his new 'keeper, saying: "It’s fair to say that Vicario has settled in really well with the group. He's a good guy and an exceptional goalkeeper."
Mickey van de Ven, who was signed from Wolfsburg on Tuesday, could come into the team straight away in place of Ben Davies.
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Likely Lineups
Brentford
Flekken; Hickey, Collins, Pinnock, Mee, Henry; Damsgaard, Norgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo Wissa.
Tottenham Hotspur
Vicario; Royal, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Richarlison. .
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Key players
Brentford - Nathan Collins
Brentford’s new club record signing is certainly a man Bees fans can get excited about.
Signed for £23 million from Wolves, Collins will no doubt build the stability of Thomas Frank’s backline with his man mountain attributes.
At the age of just 22, he has already completed two full seasons in the Premier League, catching the attention of most with his spell at Burnley.
Thomas Frank holds the Irish international in high regard and is excited to see him perform this season.
He said: “He has a lot of very good abilities that we value a lot. He's a composed and calm defender. His heading in both boxes is a big thing, both in open play and from set-pieces, which is massive in the Premier League."
Tottenham Hotspur - James Maddison
A player that many people have tipped to be signing of the summer.
Spurs fans have been calling out for a creative midfielder since the departure of Christian Eriksen and it seems as though they finally have their wish.
Following Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship, Tottenham were able to snap up Maddison for just £40 million, beating Newcastle to his signature.
In light of Kane's departure, Maddison is likely to receive the number 10 shirt, which will be big boots to fill, to say the least. His quick feet and creativity could be crucial to the resurgence of Richarlison who is likely to lead the line for Postecoglou's side.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford.
What time is kick-off?
Sunday 13th August - kick off is at 14:00 BST.
How can I watch?
The game will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event.
