Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur
English Premier League, KO: 12:30 Dec 26, 2022, Brentford Community Stadium
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR haven't been a great watch under Antonio Conte this season but it's hard to argue with the results as his side prepare to resume their Premier League campaign with a trip to Brenford.
Spurs sit inside the top four returning from the World Cup break and also have a mouthwatering Champions League last-16 clash with Milan on the horizon after topping their Champions League group.
Yet there have been more than a few grumbles this season from supporters who have been left frustrated by Conte’s cautious, counter-attacking philosophy. Those fans got value for money before the break as Tottenham signed off with a thrilling 4-3 win over Leeds but Tottenham have come up short in the big games, failing to beat Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool.
What Conte’s side have been very good at is defeating the Premier League’s lesser lights and they now face one of those fixtures against a Brentford side looking to consolidate after a stunning breakthrough campaign.
The Bees seem to have avoided second-season syndrome and sit comfortably in midtable, closer to a European place than they are to the relegation zone.
An incredible victory at the Etihad sent them them into the break on a high, with striker Ivan Toney responding to his World Cup snub with a match-winning double to bust plenty of coupons, including mine.
But Toney has been hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks, with the FA charging him with a further 30 breaches of their betting rules. Boss Thomas Frank will be hoping that controversy doesn’t affect his main man as Brentford need him firing to push on and avoid being dragged back into the battle for survival.
How the bookies view it
Brentford's home form is decent but they are 3/1 outsiders with Bet365 for this one. Tottenham's best price is evens at VBet while the draw pays 14/5 at SpreadEx.
Recent head to head
Brentford have only beaten Tottenham twice in their entire history, with the last of those wins coming way back in 1948. Last season's matches were quite tight, with Spurs winning 2-0 at home before a 0-0 stalemate across the city.
Players to watch
I'd expect Toney to start amid all the controversy and he remains Brentford's biggest goal threat. He has 11 goals from just 16 appearances this season and looks a bit overpriced at 2/1 with Bet365 for a goal.
All eyes will be on Harry Kane in the Tottenham Hotspur ranks as we wait to see how he will react to the crushing blow of that World Cup penalty miss against France. The England skipper is 5/4 with Bet365 for a goal but I'm more draw to the special on offer at SkyBet where he's evens to score or provide an assist.
Anything else catch the eye?
Both teams to score has failed to land in the last five meetings so betting against it could pay off here at 5/4 with BetVictor. None of those five matches saw over two goals so under 2.5 strikes also appeals here at 26/25 with Unibet.
Spurs have taken time to get going this season, with most goals coming after the break in four of their last five games. Backing the second period to be the highest-scoring half pays 21/20 with McBookie here and I also like the 13/10 they offer on either side winning by a one-goal margin.
This English Premier League match between Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur will be played on Dec 26, 2022 and kick off at 12:30. Check below for our tipsters best Brentford vs Tottenham Hotspur prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
