A London derby kicks off 2026 as Brentford prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Gtech Community Stadium. This New Year’s Day fixture, scheduled for January 1, 2026, is packed with intriguing storylines. Most notably, it marks the first time Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank returns to face the club he managed for seven successful years. With both teams navigating injury lists and international duties, this match promises to be a compelling test of squad depth and tactical wit.

Head-to-Head History: A Rivalry Renewed

Historically, Tottenham Hotspur have held the upper hand in this fixture. Across 51 competitive matches, Spurs have claimed 28 victories to Brentford’s 7, with 16 encounters ending in a draw. However, since Brentford’s promotion to the Premier League, the gap has narrowed considerably, leading to some thrilling contests.

While Spurs have won six of the last ten meetings, the Bees have proven to be a stubborn opponent, securing a memorable 3-1 away win in the 2022-23 season and holding Tottenham to several draws. Recent matches have been particularly high-scoring, with an incredible 23 goals flying in during the last six clashes. This suggests fans could be in for another goal-filled evening.

Current Form and League Standings

Both clubs enter this match with mixed but recently positive form. Brentford sits comfortably in 9th place on 26 points, largely thanks to their formidable home record. The Bees have been a force at the Gtech Community Stadium, securing six wins from nine home games. They come into this fixture on a high after a commanding 4-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Conversely, Tottenham are in 13th position with 25 points. Their season has been a rollercoaster, but a recent 1-0 away win against Crystal Palace halted a difficult run. Spurs have been impressive on their travels, earning 17 of their 25 points away from home, which sets the stage for a fascinating battle between Brentford’s home strength and Tottenham’s away resilience.

Team News: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Brentford’s Line-up Concerns

The Bees have several key players whose availability is uncertain.

• Igor Thiago: The team’s top scorer with 11 goals has been playing through a minor issue and will be assessed.
• Sepp van den Berg: The defender is also a doubt after missing the last match with a knock.
• AFCON Absences: Frank Onyeka (Nigeria) and Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso) are on international duty.
• Long-Term Injuries: Josh Dasilva, Fábio Carvalho, and Antoni Milambo remain sidelined.

Tottenham’s Injury Woes

Spurs are contending with an extensive list of unavailable players, which will heavily impact their squad selection.

• Key Absences: James Maddison (cruciate ligament) and Dejan Kulusevski (knee) are major long-term losses. Destiny Udogie is also out.
• Player Doubts: Lucas Bergvall is a “small doubt” after being substituted in the last match. Dominic Solanke has returned to training but is unlikely to feature.
• Suspensions & International Duty: Xavi Simons is suspended, while Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma are away at AFCON.
• Returning Player: Cristian Romero is back from a ban, providing a much-needed defensive boost.

Where to Watch

The match kicks off at 8pm GMT on Thursday, January 1, 2026. In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. For international broadcast information, check your local listings.

Conclusion: A New Year’s Test for Both Sides

This New Year’s Day clash is more than just a London derby. For Brentford, it’s a chance to solidify their strong home form and push further up the table. For Tottenham, it’s an opportunity to build momentum and prove their resilience amidst a challenging injury crisis. With Thomas Frank’s emotional return, a history of high-scoring games, and key players missing for both teams, this match is poised to be an unpredictable and exciting start to 2026.