Brentford welcome Spurs to the Gtech on New Years’ Day, with confidence surging after the 4-1 trashing administered to Bournemouth at the weekend.
It was a win as much notable for Kevin Schade’s hat-trick as it was the continuation of a fine home run. An eighth victory out of the last 12 league games played in TW8 sees only the top three clubs – Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Manchester City – on better long-term form. One can only imagine what might have been had Keith Andrews been able to channel this consistency on the road. To be fair, he still has half the season remaining to do so.
Perhaps nowhere more was the ‘away’ conundrum seen in the reverse fixture earlier this month. He used Tuesday’s press conference to acknowledge how defeat at the Tottenham Stadium had seen the Bees very much below par.
“In that game, we didn’t hit the heights that we had previously done in the majority of our other games…. we need to perform individually and collectively better than we did on that day; I’ve spoken about it publicly and privately. We need to own that and take absolute responsibility for it.
This is nothing that will come as a surprise to anybody, with the acceptance from Keith that “We have to perform better.” hopefully some crumb of comfort going into a game where victory would see Brentford move just one point behind fifth-placed Chelsea. The challenge will come as much in player selection.
We’re all well aware how Keith has mixed things up over December, and it would seem Mikkel Damsgaard and Jordan Henderson were both rested for that Bournemouth game, albeit making cameo appearances, with this one in mind. There are tough decisions to make if either is to reclaim their place, given the fine form of the midfield trio. Mathias Jensen, in particular coming in for praise during that conference, and it would be harsh if he does find himself back on the bench.
Perhaps more telling was the giant red flag being waved about Igor Thiago. A post conference piece on the Brentford FC website was first titled, ‘Andrews provides Igor Thiago injury update’ before having the ‘i’ word removed and being changed to: ‘Andrews provides Thiago update’.
The update given somewhat cautious sounding with Keith telling the media that the player, “Had a bit of an issue, but nothing to do with his injury last season at all… this time of year takes its toll, and we need to be careful with some players at times.
He went on to add how Igor “Showed a lot of bravery and courage to play against Wolves and gave us that platform” before saying that final decisions would be made today (Wednesday).
Whether this is nothing more than an attempt to confuse Tottenham manager Thomas Frank, who knows? We’re all well aware that the most telling things to come out of press conferences are often what’s not said. No manager worth his salt would overly reveal his hand. Besides, Brentford have never been known for letting anybody know until the team reveal in those situations where a key player will be unexpectedly out.
Igor looked phenomenal against Bournemouth. His physicality, creativity, speed, and stamina second to none, whilst let’s not forget he lasted until the final whistle. With the game comfortably won, surely Keith would have pulled off the Brazilian had there been any longer-term concerns?
Who knows? Smoke, mirrors, bluff, and deception are so often the order of the day ahead of kick-off. If Igor is to miss out, we at least know that KLP and Kevin Schade have the taste for goal at present. We can expect more of those razor-sharp defence-splitting balls through the middle, although we must also reflect on how lovely it was to see so much wide play on Saturday. The Bees really mixing it up in the attacking third to produce a scintillating display.
More of the same would be very nice, thank you. Aside from a bit of payback for the reverse in North London, there will no doubt be wall-to-wall coverage of Thomas Frank’s return to the Gtech. Not so much the coming together of the Premier League’s two most luxuriant hairstyles, but more what he achieved with The Bees.
Thomas was in charge of our team for almost ten years, over 278 league games, overseeing the ascension to the Premier League before cementing the club firmly in situ at this level. There is so much love in the room for our former head coach, but now he lines up against us.
For me, let’s hope he gets the Bryan Mbeumo treatment. Mutual respect and affection before kick-off, then all focus on a Brentford victory once the game goes live. Regardless of who we are up against or is in charge of them.
Despite their winning on Sunday (not a typo) Spurs are very much a club under scrutiny at present. Unrest in the stands, results not really going to plan, and both Xavi Simmons and Christian Romero sent off in the game prior. If ever there was a case of self-inflicted pressure building, then here it is.
Simmons remains suspended for this game, although Romero is now available, despite still facing a misconduct charge. With a fee for one-time Brentford target Brennan Johnson having been agreed with Palace, it is unclear whether he’ll put in an appearance. The one thing we can say for sure is that Dominic Solanke and everybody’s favourite pantomime villain, James Maddison, remain on the long-term injury list.
Despite Maddison’s absence, Thomas Frank will still be able to call upon Richarlison to ensure Spurs are covered in the sh*thousery department. Thankfully, Andy Madley is our man in the middle, assisted by fourth official Simon Hooper…
With the game kicking off at 20:00, supporters should be in fine voice having had the day to recover from the traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations and excitement. Primarily, trying to spot Roland Rivron at Jools Holland’s Hootenanny.
No doubt the pubs around the ground will be buzzing with excited talk beforehand – if not of Jools tinkling on his ivories, then certainly Keith’s team selection. Thiago or Thia-no? We’ll find out just before 19:00 on Thursday.
This game has all the backstory and current form to be ‘one of those nights’ for Brentford. So much has gone into getting us where we are with Thomas Frank at the helm. He’s made his decisions, and however they are panning out, one can only respect what he achieved for the Bees.
That said, I’d absolutely love it to Kevin Keegan levels, if Brentford’s apprentice gets one over his former master. This could end up being a proper ‘I was there’ moment. Bring it on and here’s to kick off…
