Xavi Simons starts for Tottenham for the first time in a month as Thomas Frank seeks a much-needed win over former club Brentford.
Brennan Johnson and Destiny Udogie had both been spotted moving gingerly during Spurs’ dramatic 2-2 draw away at Newcastle on Tuesday night, and Johnson drops to the bench today with Udogie missing out entirely.
FOLLOW TOTTENHAM VS BRENTFORD LIVE
As Frank looks to secure just a second home Premier League win as Tottenham boss against the Bees, who he managed for seven years prior to his departure this summer, the Dane hands a first league start to Dutch playmaker Simons since last month’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
Micky van de Ven is also restored in central defence, taking the place of Kevin Danso, but Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski remain out, along with James Maddison and Yves Bissouma.
“When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update,” the Dane said of his injured troops during his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Despite Spurs salvaging a point at the death against Newcastle thanks to captain Cristian Romero, the pressure is still firmly on Frank as he prepares to welcome his former team to north London.
As well as starting Simons, the Tottenham manager looks to have gone for two up top with Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani. Archie Gray also starts at the base of midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur. Udogie, meanwhile, is replaced at left-back by Djed Spence.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Gray; Kudus, Simons; Richarlison, Kolo Muani
Subs: Kinsky, Danso, Palhinha, Tel, Bergvall, Johnson, Odobert, Sarr, Davies
Injured: Solanke, Maddison, Bissouma, Kulusevski
Time and date: 3pm GMT on Saturday December 6, 2025
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
