Brentford are expected to line up in their usual 4-3-3, with Kelleher in goal, a back four of Kayode, Ajer, Collins and Lewis-Potter, and a midfield trio of Janelt, Anthony and Yarmolyuk. That's a solid, organised unit — the kind that makes the Gtech a fortress. They'll sit in a mid-block, let Tottenham have the ball, and then hit them on the break with the pace of Schade and Ouattara. Set pieces will be a weapon too — Brentford have always been set-piece kings, and with Ajer and Collins in the box, they'll fancy their chances from dead balls.

Tottenham, under their new coach, are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1, with Kinsky in goal, Porro and Robertson as the full-backs, Van Hecke and Van de Ven at centre-back, and a double pivot of Tonali and Fernandes shielding the defence. Maddison will pull the strings in the number ten role, with the likes of Tel or Solanke leading the line. That's a midfield with real bite — Tonali is a destroyer, Fernandes is a ball-carrier, and Maddison can knife through the lines with a single pass. But with Kulusevski and Simons out, the wide areas look a little thin. They'll rely on full-backs pushing high to create overloads, but that leaves space in behind for Brentford's wingers to exploit.

The game state is likely to be tight. Tottenham will dominate possession — they always do — but Brentford will be happy to sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit on the counter. The midfield dogfight will be crucial: Janelt and co. will look to disrupt Tonali's rhythm, while Maddison will try to find pockets of space between the lines. If Brentford can win the second balls and spring Ouattara down the flanks, they'll cause real problems. If Tottenham can get Maddison on the ball in dangerous areas, they'll create chances. It's a classic clash of styles.