The Premier League rings in 2026 with a narrative-heavy London derby as Brentford hosts Tottenham Hotspur today, Thursday, January 1, 2026. This isn't just a battle for top-half positioning—it’s the highly anticipated return of Thomas Frank to the Gtech Community Stadium, this time leading the Lilywhites against the club he built into a top-flight mainstay.
With Brentford currently sitting in 9th place (26 pts) and Tottenham trailing just behind in 11th (25 pts), the stakes for European qualification are already heating up on New Year's Day.
Match Details: Kick-off & How to Watch
Date: Thursday, January 1, 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 23:00 EAT
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London
Referee: Andy Madley (VAR: Alex Chilowicz)
TV/Live Stream: Sky Sports Premier League (UK), Peacock (US)
Team News & Injury Updates
Brentford: The Schade Factor
The Bees enter 2026 on a massive high following a 4–1 demolition of Bournemouth. New head coach Keith Andrews has found a gem in Kevin Schade, who is coming off a sensational hat-trick.
Injury Update: Igor Thiago (11 goals) is a slight doubt but expected to lead the line. Sepp van den Berg will undergo a late fitness test.
Out: Josh Dasilva, Fábio Carvalho, and Antoni Milambo (all ACL injuries).
AFCON Absentees: Frank Onyeka and Dango Ouattara.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Ajer, Henry; Yarmoliuk, Janelt, Jensen; Lewis-Potter, Thiago, Schade.
Tottenham: The Homecoming of Thomas Frank
Thomas Frank’s Spurs side are seeking consistency after a narrow 1–0 win over Crystal Palace. However, they are dealing with a significant injury crisis in key positions.
Injury Update: Dominic Solanke has returned to training but likely won't start. Lucas Bergvall is a doubt.
Out: James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Destiny Udogie are all sidelined. Xavi Simons is suspended.
AFCON Absentees: Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma.
Returnee: Captain Cristian Romero is back after a one-match ban.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Bentancur; Kudus, Bergvall, Odobert; Richarlison.
Brentford vs. Tottenham: Key Stats & Head-to-Head (H2H)
Recent History: Tottenham beat Brentford 2–0 just last month (Dec 6, 2025).
The "Gtech" Fortress: Brentford have won four of their last five home games at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Spurs on NYD: Tottenham are historically strong on New Year's Day, having won seven of their last nine games on this date.
Goal Threat: There have been 23 goals scored in the last six encounters between these two sides, making "Over 2.5 Goals" a popular betting pick.
Tactical Analysis: The Student vs. The Master
This match features a fascinating tactical subplot: Keith Andrews (formerly Frank's assistant) vs. Thomas Frank.
Brentford will likely stick to their high-intensity, vertical style, relying on the pace of Kevin Schade and the physicality of Igor Thiago to exploit Spurs’ high line.
Tottenham will aim to dominate possession through Rodrigo Bentancur, using the creative spark of Mohammed Kudus to navigate Brentford’s compact mid-block.
Match Prediction
Brentford’s home form is formidable, and the emotional energy of Frank’s return could swing the momentum in favor of the Bees. However, Spurs have a knack for the "double" and will be boosted by the return of Romero. Expect a high-energy clash with plenty of chances.
Final Score Prediction: Brentford 2–2 Tottenham
