Brentford FC

Matas Klimas has experienced the highs and lows of academy football to date, helping the defender “cherish” the chance to play for Brentford.

A member of Lydia Bedford’s Under-18s squad, Matas has become a vital member of the young Bees’ defence since signing a two-year scholarship near the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

His development has been clear in his one year at Jersey Road, however it followed a tough period for the defender.

Matas was not offered a scholarship by Tottenham Hotspur after four years in north London, leading him to trial with multiple clubs before settling at Brentford.

“After not receiving my scholarship at Spurs, I went on trial to Cambridge United, Colchester United, Barnsley and QPR where I was rejected,” said Matas.

“I also went to Leyton Orient where I was offered a scholarship, but I made the decision to not sign there as I believed it wasn’t the right pathway for me and not where I wanted to be for the next two years.

“It wasn’t a great time as I had to deal with that decision plus an important year of education as I did my GCSEs, but I knew it was the right time for me to leave and there wouldn’t be much of a pathway for me if I stayed [at Tottenham].

“It was for the better and I made sure when the right opportunity came at Brentford that I would be cherish it as much as possible.”

Football has been a love of Matas’s for as long as he can remember and is a pathway his parents could see him going down before he was born.

“Funnily enough before I was born my parents wanted me to become a footballer as I was kicking so much in my mum’s belly,” explained Matas.

“Then at the age of four I went to my local team Dagenham United. I played for multiple grassroots teams around the east London/Essex area until the age of 12 when I signed for Tottenham.

"I was so grateful for this opportunity as a year before I had an unsuccessful trial at Millwall which made me understand how lucky I was to sign for such a big club.

“I spent four years at Spurs, then I didn’t receive a scholarship to continue my development and instead had to trial at multiple clubs.

"At the start of the 2023/24 season I was offered a trial at Brentford and after the first day I knew this was the place I wanted to be at.”

While continuing his development under Bedford and her team, Matas has enjoyed international duties with Lithuania.

“It’s a great achievement for me to represent my family name and play for my country throughout the youth age groups, so I wish to continue getting better and playing on the international stage,” said Matas.

Now one of the experienced players of the U18s side, Matas hopes to continue his strong development.

Having seen last season’s U18s team-mates Ollie Shield, Kerron Samuels, Andre Grey and Yaw Agyei transition into the B team set-up, Matas hopes to follow their path.

“When you see your team-mates from last year pushing on and making it to that next level, it just adds extra motivation for myself as I believe I can also get there and push on in my career,” he explained.

Brentford midfielder Ryan Trevitt lived out his “dream” when he came off the bench to make his Premier League debut on Saturday afternoon against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 21-year-old midfielder was introduced to the match late on as the Bees were defeated 3-1 against Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Following a successful trial period, Trevitt began his Brentford journey back in January 2021, signing for Neil MacFarlane’s B team having previously come through the ranks at Isthmian South Central Division side Leatherhead.

In his first full season at the club, the youngster made 36 appearances for MacFarlane’s side finding the net seven times and recording six assists.

A fruitful opening campaign saw Trevitt sign a new contract with the Bees ahead of the 2022/23 season keeping him at the club until 2024.

The youngster went on to enjoy his best season in west London making his first team debut in August 2022 against Colchester United in the Carabao Cup. Trevitt then played an integral role in the B team’s most successful season to date as the side went on to be crowned Premier League Cup champions.

Speaking on his journey, Trevitt said: “It’s taken a lot of hard work and dedication, I’ve tried to do the right things and not be afraid to make mistakes on the pitch and it’s paid off.

“I’d like to thank Neil [MacFarlane] and Sam [Saunders] who both helped me develop as a player in the B team but also as a person off the pitch.”

Ending the campaign as top scorer with 16 goals, Trevitt was awarded the Mary Halder trophy on the final day of the Premier League season in front of the home supporters at the Gtech.

In July 2023, the club rewarded Trevitt with another new contract as he put pen-to-paper on a new three-year deal alongside a promotion to the first-team squad.

A loan move to Exeter City occupied the midfielder for the first half of 2023/24 season where the youngster continued to flourish, playing 20 times for the Sky Bet League One side.

“My time at Exeter was a really important step in my career and I was pleased with how I performed,” said Trevitt.

“Playing in the football league isn’t easy but it was definitely important that I went out and got that experience and I feel I’m reaping the benefits from it.”

His time on loan was unfortunately cut short as he returned to Brentford in January for his rehabilitation after picking up an injury for Exeter.

Trevitt returned towards the end of last season and worked his way back to full fitness before enjoying a positive pre-season with the first team.

The youngster has featured in all seven of Thomas Frank’s squads so far in the new campaign and most recently appeared as a substitute against Spurs in the Premier League.

Talking on his Premier League debut, Trevitt explained: “It’s an incredibly proud moment for me and something I’ve dreamt of since I’ve been young, I’ll continue to work hard and hopefully more opportunities will come my way.

“The goal is to eventually break into the team so making my debut in the Premier League was a huge step in the right direction."

Young Bees trying to follow in Trevitt's footsteps will be in action on Saturday, as Brentford Under-18s face Watford Under-18s at Wheatsheaf Park from 12pm.

Brentford once again made an explosive start to their 3-1 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, but ultimately fell to defeat in north London.

Much like at the Etihad Stadium last time out, it was just a matter of seconds before the Bees took the lead, with work done on kick-offs clearly paying off for Thomas Frank's team.

Keane Lewis-Potter was able to get the better of Pedro Porro, before sending in a ball that Bryan Mbeumo did brilliantly to steer into the net with his trusty left foot (all of the forward's goals have come from his left foot this season). Even Spurs midfielder James Maddison admitted after the game that the Brentford man's "fantastic finish" was likely to be up for Goal of the Month.

The Cameroon international really has started the season brilliantly well and is now tied with Ivan Toney as Brentford's most productive player in the Premier League with 47 total goal involvements. In total, Mbeumo has 21 goals and 26 assists, compared to Toney's 36 goals and 11 assists.

This season, Mbeumo is currently averaging 0.8 goals per game, a number that only two players in the Premier League can better: Luis Díaz (one goal per game) and Erling Haaland who is, absurdly, averaging two goals per game.

All four of Mbeumo's goals so far have also been from open play and this time only Haaland has more open-play goals with nine.

The Norwegian is also the only player in the top flight to be outperforming Expected Goals (xG) more than Mbeumo so far this term. Haaland has a positive xG Difference of +4.48, while Mbeumo is second with +2.34, which puts him ahead of Díaz who has +1.74.

Mbeumo was without his usual partner against Spurs, the injured Yoane Wissa. The 28-year-old's absence is a big blow, especially considering how he has also had a strong start to the season. Wissa was one of just three players to have accumulated an xG of at least 3 going into the weekend.

Wissa had a total xG of 3.07 in his first four appearances, which only Ollie Watkins (3.73xG) and Haaland (4.49xG) could beat at that stage. Now Wissa has to settle for top five in the rankings, with Liverpool's Díaz and Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson able to overtake the Brentford man after having played one game more.

Thomas Frank elected to play Fábio Carvalho in attack alongside Mbeumo for the Spurs clash, after the Portuguese opened his Bees' account midweek against Leyton Orient in the Carabao Cup.

Carvalho's high-pressing hustle almost earned big rewards when he harried Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario into what would have been a costly mistake had the Italian not recovered in time to keep Mbeumo's effort out.

Even in the absence of Christian Nørgaard and Mathias Jensen, the Bees midfield was firm against a Spurs team who were in danger of conceding an equaliser against a Brentford team who had the majority of the ball.

In the end, it was going forward for a leveller that resulted in Tottenham sealing the victory late on through Maddison.

Three goals perhaps flattered Spurs overall and there should be no concerns about the Bees' defence; Nathan Collins tops the league for shots blocked (16) while Mark Flekken has made more saves (28) than any other goalkeeper in the 'top five' European leagues.

Overall, there were plenty of positives for Frank and his side - especially the in-form Mbeumo - to take going into the two upcoming home games, where Brentford have a 100 per cent record so far.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has given an update on Bees captain Christian Nørgaard, who missed the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The midfielder had played every minute of the season before the loss in north London, where he was unavailable.

On Nørgaard's availability, Frank stated: "It is a minor injury. It was just too tight to make it today.

"But I am very confident that he will make it for Saturday [against West Ham]."

Frank was full of praise for his players despite Saturday's loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - but the Dane did admit the Bees struggled after taking an early lead.

“There are a lot of positives and also some things we need to do better against a good Tottenham side,” he said.

“The first 28 minutes, aside from the first minute when we scored, they were on top and we struggled with their intensity and pressure; the last 60 we did well and made it very difficult for Tottenham.

“But they have a stand that’s bigger than our stadium, and that needs to be put into perspective.

“We try to win every game, we fear no one and I like the bravery from my players, but we need to perform over 90 minutes.”

Frank also spoke about an incident where Guglielmo Vicario handled the ball outside his box, which went unpunished by the referee.

He stated: "I thought it was a great football game out here, but sometimes the media chooses to focus on a moment that wasn't decisive - it's not a red card or a clear penalty.

"Yes, it's a foul outside the box, yes, we would love to have it, and, yes, we were a little bit frustrated we didn't. But we need to focus more on the football."

Bryan Mbeumo scored his fourth goal of the Premier League season as Brentford lost 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Mbeumo volleyed the Bees in front inside the opening 30 seconds, but the hosts hit back before half-time through Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson. Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was fortunate to avoid punishment for handling the ball outside of his box shortly before the hour mark, before James Maddison extended his side’s lead late on.

Thomas Frank made two changes to the side that lined up against Manchester City last weekend.

Christian Nørgaard - who the Bees boss revealed is nursing “a minor injury” - and Yoane Wissa (ankle) made way for Yehor Yarmoliuk and Fábio Carvalho.

Just as they did at the Etihad, Brentford came flying out the traps and stung Spurs with just 22 seconds on the clock.

The ball was played to Keane Lewis-Potter on the left, who dropped a shoulder to beat Pedro Porro and floated a cross towards the front post. Mbeumo peeled away from the crowd and thumped a volley beyond the helpless Vicario.

Undeterred, Spurs immediately went in search of an equaliser. Rodrigo Bentancur’s strike from the edge of the area deflected wide and Cristian Romero’s looping header from the resulting corner was held by Mark Flekken.

Solanke then pounced on Sepp van den Berg’s heavy touch, advanced down the left and worked the ball inside to Heung-min Son. The Tottenham captain found Maddison inside the six-yard box and his shot was bravely blocked by Ethan Pinnock.

But Tottenham were level moments later. Pinnock’s loose pass was intercepted by Maddison, whose initial effort from the edge of the box was parried by Flekken, and Solanke followed in and tucked home on the rebound.

The game continued at pace: Son’s dipping effort was saved by Flekken and Johnson, found by Dejan Kulusevski, dragged across the face of goal and wide from 20 yards.

Udogie’s low cross from the left led to pinball in the Brentford area, with Pinnock eventually hacking to safety.

At the other end, Lewis-Potter cut on to his right foot and went for goal, but his low drive from distance lacked the power to trouble Vicario.

On 26 minutes, Solanke dropped deep and lifted the ball over the Brentford backline. Son raced clear and rounded Flekken but, crowded by the Bees’ recovering defenders, opted to tee up Kulusevski and his strike was charged down by Yarmoliuk.

But Spurs’ pressure was rewarded. Johnson, released by Son, advanced down the right of the area, opened up the angle under pressure from Nathan Collins with a clever feint and drilled hard and low into the far corner.

Just after the half-hour mark, Maddison crossed low from the byline and Lewis-Potter cleared with Solanke looking to pounce.

Brentford were then almost gifted a second goal. Vicario was dispossessed by Carvalho inside his own six-yard box, who rolled the ball back to Mbeumo, but the forward’s shot was straight at the keeper.

Carvalho almost turned provider again moments later, intercepting Maddison’s pass and shifting to Damsgaard on his left, but the Dane’s effort from just outside the box lacked conviction and was held by Vicario.

Maddison’s cross-shot was pushed away by Flekken in the final action of a frenetic first half.

Five minutes after the break, Flekken dropped low to his right to deny Kulusevski following some neat interplay on the edge of Brentford’s box involving Maddison and Udogie.

Then came a moment of real controversy. Vicario advanced a long way off his line to claim a cross but, under pressure from Damsgaard, failed to gather.

The Spurs keeper then handled the ball outside of his area, taking the ball away from Damsgaard and denying him the opportunity to strike at goal, but the referee allowed play to continue and Kristoffer Ajer and Thomas Frank were both booked for their protests.

The sides then exchanged big chances: Mbeumo latched on to Ajer’s through ball and saw a venomous effort well saved by Vicario before Johnson pulled wide having been found by Son.

Substitute Kevin Schade almost made an immediate impact. After a spell of possession around the hosts’ box, van den Berg looped in a cross from the byline, Schade superbly headed towards goal and the ball was clawed away by the keeper.

As the Bees looked to push on in the final minutes, Spurs extended their advantage.

Romero began a blistering counter attack on the edge of his own box, Son slipped the ball through to Maddison and the midfielder lifted over the advancing Flekken and into the net.

Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario; Porro (Gray 88), Romero, van den Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur (Bissouma 63), Maddison (Bergvall 88); Johnson (Sarr 70), Solanke (Moore 88), Son

Subs not used: Forster, Spence, Drăgușin, Werner

Brentford: Flekken; van den Berg, Pinnock, Collins; Ajer (Roerslev 79), Janelt, Yarmoliuk (Schade 63), Damsgaard (Konak 79), Lewis-Potter; Carvalho (Trevitt 88), Mbeumo

Subs not used: Valdimarsson, Mee, Meghoma, Ji-soo, Yogane

Attendance: 61,246

Frank focuses on positives

Head coach Thomas Frank was full of praise for his players despite Saturday's loss in north London - but admitted the Bees’ struggled after taking an early lead.

“There are a lot of positives and also some things we need to do better against a good Tottenham side,” he said.

“The first 28 minutes, aside from the first minute when we scored, they were on top and we struggled with their intensity and pressure; the last 60 we did well and made it very difficult for Tottenham.

“But they have a stand that’s bigger than our stadium, and that needs to be put into perspective.

“We try to win every game, we fear no one and I like the bravery from my players, but we need to perform over 90 minutes.”

Janelt draws parallels with Man City defeat

Midfielder Vitaly Janelt had a sense of “déjà vu” after Brentford’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Bees, like they did against Manchester City last weekend, took the lead inside the opening 30 seconds but were pegged back before the break.

“We started well but then conceded two goals from our mistakes,” he said.

“The second half was quite good – we had two or three good chances to score an equaliser – but they scored late from a transition.

“In general, we played a decent away game. Tottenham are a good side, and they took their chances.”

Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford  Brentford FC

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has backed Kevin Schade to fill the void left by Yoane Wissa’s absence.

Wissa is out until November with an ankle injury suffered in last weekend’s defeat to Manchester City, which is likely to result in more gametime for the Germany international in the Bees’ frontline.

“When it rains, it definitely pours,” said Frank.

“They are unlucky injuries; they are not because we have trained players too hard or we haven’t made them strong enough.

“Of the eight players out, probably five would be starting - depending on the opponent.

“But it is what it is, and we need to deal with it. It’s a big part of a head coach’s job to find those solutions and make the team as competitive as possible.”

Frank continued: “Every time a key player goes out and another comes in, it makes the team a little bit different; no two players are the same.

“Both Kevin and Wissa are good at running in behind; Kevin is obviously quicker.

“Both are good in the air; I think Kevin is a little bit better. Wissa probably links the game a bit better; Kevin is a better pressing player. So there are different pros and cons.”

Schade played the full 90 minutes in the west Londoners' 3-1 victory over Leyton Orient on Tuesday.

And Frank insisted the forward is “getting better and better” after missing most of last season due to an adductor injury.

“Kevin is in a good place,” said Frank.

“He’s getting into good positions and has been a little bit unlucky.

“He hit the post against Southampton and Bryan [Mbeumo] scored – that was a good action.

“He had a fantastic run with the ball and finish against Leyton Orient, which was saved by the keeper, and then Fábio Carvalho scored with a bicycle kick.

“So, he’s getting into those positions and doing a lot of good stuff for us. I think he can do more but I’m pleased with his progress.”

Having beaten Leyton Orient 3-1 to progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup in midweek, Brentford return to Premier League action on Saturday with a short trip across the capital to take on Tottenham Hotspur (3pm kick-off).

The Bees have taken six points from their opening four matches, beating Crystal Palace and Southampton, while Spurs are two points worse off and lost 1-0 to rivals Arsenal in their last league outing.

Analysis, team news, match officials and more. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Brentford’s third London derby of the season.

Pre-match analysis

Alex Lawes, Playmaker Stats: Set-pieces could prove decisive at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Ever since gaining promotion to the Premier League, Brentford have regularly been a thorn in the side of some of the leading clubs in England - and now they face another.

In just their fifth match of the season, the Bees are facing a third member of the ‘big six’ after narrow margins of defeat away at Liverpool and Manchester City.

In those games, Brentford have been tactically disciplined and adaptable based on the game situation as they seek to return to the form and performances they showed when securing a top-half finish in the 2022/23 campaign.

Brentford have also been able to handle being supposed ‘favourites’ for a game and have played football similar to that which got them up a few years ago - displaying fluency and fluidity in home victories against Crystal Palace and Southampton.

Tottenham, who began the Ange Postecoglou era with a 2-2 draw at Gtech Community Stadium last season, have managed just one win in their opening four matches this term and come into this on the back of losing 1-0 to arch rivals Arsenal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend.

Given the visitors’ slow start and Brentford’s fantastic display last time out at Man City, it would seem plausible that Brentford approach this game differently to the tailored tactical set-ups they took to Anfield and the Etihad.

That said, what has been a theme of the footballing discourse this week in the aftermath of that derby defeat to Arsenal has been Tottenham’s inability to defend set-pieces with Gabriel’s winner for the Gunners coming from yet another corner.

Last season, Spurs shipped 21 Premier League goals from dead-balls (14 from set-pieces and seven from penalties) and the Bees will no doubt be aware of these statistics.

Although Gabriel’s header in last Sunday’s north London derby was the first time Spurs have conceded from a set-piece this season, the numbers suggest they may have an Achilles heel in this area - and one of the last teams you would want to face if you are susceptible to dead-balls is Brentford.

Interestingly, however, the Bees would be wise to keep their guard up when it comes to defensive corners, as Tottenham certainly have a knack for winning them.

Cristian Romero has already scored a header from a corner against Everton this term for Postecoglu’s team, and Spurs average 11 attacking corners per game in the Premier League in 2024/25 - more than any other side.

Only Man City (10) and Liverpool (6) have scored more top-flight goals from open play than Brentford (5) this term, however, and the Bees will fancy their chances of getting after Spurs in free play.

Brentford showed verve on the break at the Etihad last weekend, but the Bees have yet to have a shot from a counter attack this season and they will be looking to put that right on Saturday.

There are plenty of backstories and sub-plots to consider ahead of the Bees’ third London derby of the season - and if Thomas Frank’s side can vary their threat from open play and set-pieces they could have some joy.

Scout Report

Dan Long, Sky Sports: Postecoglou remains bullish despite Spurs’ slow start

Tottenham fans’ greatest fears were realised last summer, when Harry Kane finally departed the club after several seasons of speculation.

With a year remaining on the England captain’s contract, Spurs could count themselves fortunate to bank €100m for his sale to Bayern Munich. But how would they cope without him, particularly with a new manager in Ange Postecoglou - a man without prior Premier League experience - in charge? Pretty well, as it turned out.

Heung-min Son took on the mantle as star man with eight goals across the first 10 games of the season, with eight wins during that run putting the club top of the Premier League throughout October.

The 26-point haul meant Postecoglou accrued the most points by a manager in their first 10 games in the competition’s history. It was also Tottenham’s best start after 10 games in the Premier League era and the second best in their top-flight history after 1960/61, when they took 30 points (when converted to three points for a win) from their first 10 games.

"Let the fans dream,” said the Australian after the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace on 27 October. “It's what being a football fan is all about.”

The patchy periods from November into December and April into May prevented his side challenging for the Champions League spots, but they finished fifth, two points behind Aston Villa and secured a place in the newly revamped Europa League.

Speaking after the victory over Sheffield United on the final day, Postecoglou said: “I have got some lofty ambitions for the football club and until we reach that point I am not going to be smiling too much.”

The fans were certainly smiling in the summer when the club spent over £130m, the bulk of which went on Archie Gray - one of the country's most promising teenagers - and Dominic Solanke who is the replacement for Kane, albeit a year after his departure. The action from the board backed up the manager’s claims.

This season’s start has been quite the opposite to last, though. Spurs had 10 points after four games last term, six points more than the four they currently have to their name. The 4-0 win over Everton in their second game gave the impression that wouldn’t be the case, but they have been beaten by two of their top-six rivals in the last two.

The 2-1 loss at Newcastle was the third in succession at St James’ Park, while a 1-0 north London derby defeat to Arsenal last weekend means they have beaten their arch enemies just once in the last eight meetings. In the last 11 games, Spurs have won just three times.

Despite the underwhelming start, Postecoglou is adamant this season will be a success for his team.

"I'll correct myself: I don't usually win things, I always win things in my second year,” was his response to a question during an interview with Sky Sports on pre-season comments where he said he "usually" wins trophies in his second season.

“Nothing has changed. I don't say things I don't believe in."

The man in charge has spoken - now it’s up to the players to prove him right and coax out that smile he promised.

In the Dugout

Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou started out in management in his native Australia with South Melbourne, where he had spent his entire playing career.

After two years as assistant, he was handed the head coach role in 1996 and spent another four successful years at the club, before leaving to work with Australia U17s and U20s for the next seven years.

Having failed to guide the U20s to the 2007 World Cup in Canada, he left the national set-up to coach Greek outfit Panachaiki and later Whittlesea Zebras back home.

In 2009, he took over at Brisbane Roar and won the A-League Championship in 2010/11 and 2011/12, before moving on to Melbourne Victory, where he was unable to produce a similar level of success.

Postecogolou’s tenure at AAMI Park concluded prematurely, however, as he was appointed head coach of the senior Australia men’s team in October 2013.

He oversaw a reasonably encouraging group-stage campaign at the 2014 World Cup and guided the Socceroos to the Asian Cup the following year.

Australia later qualified for the 2018 World Cup, but Postecoglou resigned shortly afterwards to join Yokohama F Marinos of the Japanese J-League. He would go on to guide the club to its first title in 15 years in 2019.

He then went on to have two incredible years at Celtic, with whom he won an unbelievable 83 of his 113 games in charge in Glasgow, on the way to two Scottish Premiership titles, one Scottish Cup and two Scottish League Cups.

The 59-year-old arrived in north London in the summer of 2023, just over two months after Antonio Conte left the club, and has three years remaining on his contract.

The Gameplan

With Tottenham Hotspur reporter Rob Guest

Rob Guest, Tottenham reporter for football.london, discussed how Ange Postecoglou's Spurs are likely to set up in north London on Saturday.

He explained: "It will be something like: Vicario in goal, with a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie. The midfield might depend on Yves Bissouma, as he missed the midweek game against Coventry and against Arsenal, so I imagine it will be one of him and Rodrigo Bentancur.

"Then Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, then an attacking three of Solanke through the middle, Heung-min Son and probably Brennan Johnson. Spurs will attack and look to make things happen in the final third."

Last Premier League starting XI v Arsenal (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son

Read our full interview with Rob Guest here.

Match Officials

Brooks the man in the middle for London derby

Referee: John Brooks

Assistants: Simon Bennett and Daniel Robathan

Fourth official: Oliver Langford

VAR: Alex Chilowicz

John Brooks refereed 34 games last term, showing 142 yellow cards and six reds.

His most recent Bees assignment came in May 2023: Thomas Frank’s side beat champions Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League season.

Last meeting

Tottenham Hotspur 3 Brentford 2 (Premier League, 31 January 2024)

Three goals in eight minutes at the start of the second half turned the game in Tottenham Hotspur’s favour as Brentford fell to a narrow defeat in north London.

The Bees led at the interval thanks to Neal Maupay’s scrambled finish, but Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson and Richarlison all struck for Spurs in a frantic period after the break.

Ivan Toney pulled one back following Udogie’s misjudged backpass, but Thomas Frank’s side couldn’t find an equaliser during the closing stages.

Rob Guest, Tottenham reporter for football.london, has discussed Spurs' start to the season - as well as an area Ange Postecoglou's side "need to address" moving forward.

The north Londoners conceded 14 goals from set-piece situations last season, whilst Gabriel's header for Arsenal in their victory in the derby win last weekend came from the same route.

And, despite improving on them this term, dead balls could still be an area Brentford look to exploit on Saturday.

Spurs have made a slower start than they might have hoped for with four points from the first four. What have you made of what you've seen so far?

It has been quite a frustrating start, I would say, because they have been playing quite well in a number of the games so far, but they are just not doing enough to get over the line. That was the case last season in a lot of games, too; probably the main issue this season is that, when it comes to the final third, they are just not creating enough clear-cut chances.

They manage to create a few openings, but there are never any real chances where you are saying, "That player has got to score". Ange Postecoglou said after the Arsenal game that they need a bit more belief and conviction in the final third.

Since the north London derby defeat to Arsenal, there has been lots of talk about the team struggling to defend set-pieces. Can you put your finger on why that is their kryptonite?

This season, they have been better with set-pieces and that was the first one they have conceded - but, last season, a lot of teams were targeting Guglielmo Vicario.

Away at Everton, they conceded from a set-piece where he could have been stronger, and it was a similar case against Manchester City at home late in the season.

It is just one of these things where teams have picked up on it and Tottenham certainly need to address it going forward.

Ange Postecoglou said at the weekend that he always wins a trophy in his second season at clubs. Which one do you think is their most realistic target?

Maybe the Europa League because, with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, it will depend on the draw. Last season, Spurs got Man City in the fourth round of the FA Cup and were straight out!

In the Europa League, there are eight league phase games, so that's a good opportunity to go through, I'd say. What is also probably beneficial this year is that no teams from the Champions League drop down into it - and looking at the teams in the Europa League, you would say Spurs have got to be there or thereabouts.

After that, it’s probably the Carabao Cup as a lot of teams rotate, so there could be an opportunity for Spurs to go far in the competition.

Which player should Brentford fans be keeping an eye on on Saturday?

I will go for Dominic Solanke. He has only played two league games for the club so far but Spurs look better with a presence up front and they have missed having an out-and-out striker.

Brentford know all about what he can do from his time at Bournemouth. The goals are going to come for him and Saturday could be where it starts for him!

How is Postecoglou likely to set up his side in north London?

It will be something like: Vicario in goal, with a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie. The midfield might depend on Yves Bissouma, as he missed the midweek game against Coventry and against Arsenal, so I imagine it will be one of him and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Then Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, then an attacking three of Solanke through the middle, Heung-min Son and probably Brennan Johnson. Spurs will attack and look to make things happen in the final third.

Spurs won the last meeting 3-2 back in January, but what's your score prediction this time around?

I think it will be 2-1 to Spurs.

Brentford take on Tottenham on Saturday 21 September (3pm kick-off).

The match will not be broadcast live in the UK.

If you are heading to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday, here’s some useful information to know for matchday.

Getting to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is located in the Tottenham area of north London and is served by Transport for London.

The local surroundings of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are extremely busy on matchdays. Please plan your route to the stadium in advance and allow more time than usual for your journey.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

London

N17 0BX

Fans are reminded to show respect to our hosts at all times before, during and after the match.

Travel and transport

Train and TfL

There is no planned disruption on matchday. The nearest TfL overground station to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is White Hart Lane. The station is fully accessible and is approximately a five-minute walk to the stadium.

Northumberland Park station is a 10-minute walk to the stadium. Greater Anglia services to these stations operate from Liverpool Street Station, or from Cambridge if coming from the north.

Victoria line and London Overground services operate from Seven Sisters station, which is approximately a 30-minute walk to the stadium. The station does not have step-free access.

Tottenham Hale station is also around a 30-minute walk from the ground and is served by the Victoria line, and the station is fully accessible.

Please use the National Rail journey planner or the TfL status updates page to check your route before setting off.

Bus

The stadium is well-served by Transport for London buses that run as usual across Haringey on matchdays, with the High Road routes subject to diversion due to matchday road closures.

It is not advised to travel by car

There is no parking available for general admission fans at the stadium. Some roads closest to the stadium are closed before, during and after a match.

On matchdays, general traffic will not be able to access parts of the High Road between White Hart Lane and Lordship Lane/Lansdowne Road from two hours before and up to one hour after the match.

The local area is under an Event Day Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), which is in operation on matchdays - you will not be able to park in this zone without a permit.

Accessibility

Blue Badge parking for Brentford supporters at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is fully booked.

Tottenham Hotspur has accessible entrances, accessible viewing areas and hearing loops at food and drink counters. Find out more and contact Spurs’ access team on their Accessibility page.

Ticketing information

Any duplicate ticket requests must be sent to Tottenham Hotspur by the Brentford box office.

Duplicate tickets must be collected on matchday from the away ticket office which is situated in the northeast corner of the stadium, opposite turnstile 11. Photo identification will be required to collect tickets.

Please contact Brentford's box office with any inquiries ahead of the matchday.

Your matchday at Spurs

Bees fans will be in blocks 114-118 in the northeast corner of the stadium, accessible through entrances 11 and 12. The easiest way to get to the entrance is via Worcester Avenue which runs parallel to the east side of the stadium. Turnstiles are open two hours before kick-off.

It is advised that you don’t bring a bag to the match. Clear carrier bags and personal bags, size A4 or smaller, will be searched on entry.

The away section serves a wide variety of food, including fish and chips, hotdogs, pies and shawarma, and there is a large menu of alcoholic and soft drinks. Concessions open two hours before kick-off.

Have a safe trip and enjoy the match!