James Maddison returns to Spurs beginning XI | EUROtoday

Where would you rank Spurs vs Brentford on the listing of nice London derbies? If you’ve got it in your prime 10 congratulations, you’re both a Christian Eriksen superfan or drunk already at 18.15 on a schoolnight. And so near the tip of Dry January.

Nevertheless, we’re primed for the entire further aggro, spice and fury which may solely be offered by obscure proximity. No love misplaced within the postcode conflict between N17 and TW8. It’s Skepta vs Greg Dyke. It’s Adele vs Janet Street-Porter. It’s… let’s face it, London derbies are overrated.

Thankfully no want for added intrigue this night, as we attain the purpose within the season the place groups’ fates turn into clearer. The Angeball revolution has faltered from its early autumn zenith however the Tottenham damage listing has a much less determined look to it now. Son Heung-min is the foremost miss, nonetheless on Asian Cup obligation in Qatar with South Korea, however James Maddison might make the beginning line-up for the primary time since early November. He got here off the bench towards Man City in final Friday’s FA Cup defeat.

Things trending within the different route for Brentford, who’re above solely Sheffield United and Everton in factors taken from the final 5 video games. Their purpose distinction of -6 throughout that interval can also be the worst within the league. One huge boon is the return of Ivan Toney, again within the workforce and scoring already with the assistance of foam-moving shenanigans towards Forest of their final recreation.

Spurs go into the highest 4 with a win, at Villa’s expense. Brentford have the thrilling alternative to leapfrog Palace, Bournemouth and Fulham if they’ll take three factors at this stadium for the second recreation in succession. Their 3-1 right here within the final Spurs house recreation of final season preceded the solemn sight of Harry Kane waving goodbye to a smattering of loyalists and tens of hundreds of angrily vacated seats.

Team information to return shortly, stick it out right here with Dan Zeqiri and I.