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!