Premier League
Tottenham have been much more reliable in their opening fixtures. Spurs have lost on the first weekend in only one of their previous 10 Premier League campaigns, winning six and drawing three. Their solitary defeat during that sequence was a 1-0 home loss against Everton in 2020-21. Tottenham have also enjoyed considerable success avoiding defeat on their visits to Brentford. Spurs are one of only two clubs, alongside Chelsea, to have visited the Brentford Community Stadium more than once in the Premier League without losing. They are unbeaten across five trips, although four have ended in draws. Their only victory there came in February 2025, when they recorded a 2-0 success. Tottenham's biggest issue last season was the amount of time they spent chasing matches. Spurs were behind for 36.4% of their total Premier League playing time, with only Burnley and Wolves recording higher percentages. They were also one of only two sides, alongside Wolves, who failed to win after falling behind. Having hand-picked a few new names like Sandro Tonali, Roberto De Zerbi will be looking to get off to a flying start. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Richarlison in attack is expected against the Bees.
Brentford vs. Spurs kicks off at 17:30 [GMT+1] on Saturday, August 22, at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford will begin their Premier League campaign in a London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Brentford Community Stadium, with the Bees looking to improve a difficult head-to-head record against their city rivals. Brentford have won only one of their 10 Premier League meetings with Tottenham, drawing four and losing five. Their 10%-win rate against Spurs is their joint-lowest against any opponent in the competition, level with their record against Arsenal. Brentford's opening-day record provides another challenge. They have started just three of their last 14 league campaigns with a victory, drawing six and losing five. Two of those wins have nevertheless come during their five Premier League seasons, beating Arsenal in 2021-22 and Crystal Palace in 2024-25. Brentford will also be hoping to improve on a difficult finish to last season. From the beginning of March through to the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, they won only one of their 10 Premier League matches, drawing seven and losing twice. Only Burnley recorded fewer victories during that period. There was, however, resilience at home. Brentford's only victory in that sequence came against West Ham, while the Bees went through the entire league campaign unbeaten in home London derbies, recording one victory and five draws. They will be keen to pick up at least a point once again when they take on Spurs. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Igor Thiago in attack is expected against the visitors.