Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI vs Brentford: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI vs Brentford

Tottenham Hotspur begin 2026 on the road, with Thomas Frank taking his side to the Gtech Community Stadium for an 8pm GMT kick off on Thursday January 1. Brentford, now led by Keith Andrews, are typically sharp at home, so Spurs will need focus in selection and discipline as much as they need rhythm on the ball.

Injury latest and squad availability

The headline fitness call concerns Lucas Bergvall. Frank sounded optimistic on Tuesday, saying, “Lucas is okay. I’m quite positive he will be available,” then adding, “Of course, there’s a small doubt, but it’s quite possible that he will be available.” Bergvall will be assessed closer to kick off, and his availability matters because Spurs face four matches in the next nine days.

Joao Palhinha is also in the conversation after a strong cameo at Selhurst Park, helping Tottenham see out a valuable win at Crystal Palace. Frank insisted the midfielder is ready to contribute again, saying, “He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace. He trained very well today. I expect him fully to be available and able to play against Brentford.”

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Suspensions and disciplinary watch

Cristian Romero is back in contention after missing the Palace win. Frank confirmed his captain is ready, while noting the wider disciplinary process is still pending, saying, “He’s ready for the game (against Brentford),” and, “As far as I know, it’s something that will be decided in early January.” Romero is also the subject of an FA charge, so Tottenham will hope there is no further disruption as the schedule tightens.

Xavi Simons, sent off against Liverpool, serves the second game of a three match suspension, which narrows Frank’s attacking options.

Selection calls in midfield and defence

Spurs remain without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. Dominic Solanke has returned to team training but is not expected to feature. There was a positive update on Destiny Udogie, with Frank saying, “He is running out there on the pitch, doing individual sessions on the pitch, so progressing going forward, that’s good,”.

Further up the pitch, absences at the Africa Cup of Nations bite into midfield depth, with Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma away in Morocco. The inclusion of Kota Takai and Radu Dragusin in a matchday squad at the weekend offers extra cover, which may prove useful across multiple competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup vs Brentford

A 4-3-3 remains the most straightforward fit. Romero should slot back into the back line, and Palhinha has a real chance to start, adding control alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray. Up front, Spurs will want quick service into the front three, and smart pressing to limit Brentford’s transitions.

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-3-3): Vicario, Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Porro, Bentancur, Gray, Palhinha, Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Kudus

Injured: Solanke, Maddison, Udogie, KulusevskiDoubt: BergvallUnavailable: Bissouma, Sarr (AFCON)Suspended: Simons

How to watch: Sky Sports