Tottenham Hotspur hope to bounce back immediately from the FA Cup exit when they host London rivals Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Wednesday evening.
Spurs lost 1-0 at home to Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round last weekend, meaning their 16-year trophy drought goes on. So, the north London side now turn their attention to staying in touch with the top four, having drawn 2-2 with Manchester United earlier this month.
Ange Postecoglou and Co. will want to end the month on a winning note but face a tricky opposition in Brentford, who ended their five-game losing streak by beating Nottingham Forest 3-2 at home last time out.
Tottenham Team News
James Maddison made a cameo appearance off the bench against Man City on Friday night in the FA Cup fourth round and could be in contention to start against Brentford. Giovani Lo Celso could also return after recovering from a muscle strain.
Tottenham are still without Pape Sarr, Yves Bissouma and Son Heung-min due to their international commitments, while Alejo Veliz, Manor Solomon and Alfie Whiteman are injured.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Tottenham are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal. The Italian will hope to keep a clean sheet in midweek after conceding late against Man City amidst controversial circumstances.
Defence
Ange Postecoglou named a strong Spurs lineup for the 1-0 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup fourth round, and he is unlikely to make widespread changes on Wednesday, with a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie likely to remain intact.
Porro and Udogie should be the full-backs, providing the width and flair in the final third, while Romero partners Van de Ven in central defence.
Midfield
As for the midfield unit, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park. Spurs’ work in the engine room should improve with James Maddison returning from injury. The England international enjoyed some minutes against Man City in the FA Cup but could be in contention to start on Wednesday.
Oliver Skipp could come off the bench for the last 15 minutes if Postecoglou decides to shore up his midfield unit.
Attack
With Son Heung-min still away at the Asian Cup, January signing Timo Werner will get a third consecutive start. Dejan Kulusevski should take the right-wing spot at the expense of Brennan Johnson.
