The post-Harry Kane era begins this afternoon as Spurs play their first competitive match under new boss Ange Postecoglou. Losing their record goalscorer to Bayern Munich on the eve of the new season was an extremely tough start to another Premier League campaign for Tottenham, who would no doubt have liked a gentler opening test to 2023/24 than what promises to be a frenetic London derby.
Heung-min Son has been named as the new Spurs captain as Richarlison prepares to step up and lead the attack in Kane’s absence, while debuts are expected today for the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie and James Maddison, though latest signing Micky van de Ven is not yet fully fit.
The Bees have been handed a key boost with the fitness of Bryan Mbeumo as they deal without suspended talisman Ivan Toney, with Thomas Frank focused on another push for Europe after last season’s impressive ninth-place finish. Follow Brentford vs Tottenham live with Standard Sport’s blog below, featuring expert analysis from Dan Kilpatrick at the Gtech Community Stadium!
Live updates
Brentford team news
Brentford have been handed a timely injury boost with head coach Thomas Frank revealing that Bryan Mbeumo is fit to start this afternoon.
The Cameroon forward has been bothered by a dead leg during pre-season, but is “100 per cent” ready to go for the start of the new campaign, according to his manager.
That is great news for Brentford with top scorer and talisman Ivan Toney not returning from his eight-month suspension until January.
The Bees have opted not to sign a direct replacement for the England striker, with Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa expected to join Mbeumo in the front three and carry the load in Toney’s absence.
Captain Christian Norgaard is also fit to start today along with left-back Rico Henry and Josh Dasilva, though Nigerian midfielder Frank Onyeka faces a late fitness test.
Where to watch Brentford vs Tottenham
TV channel: In the UK, Brentford vs Tottenham will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with coverage beginning at 1pm.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Brentford vs Tottenham live
Good morning and a very warm welcome to the Evening Standard’s live coverage of Brentford vs Tottenham.
The opening weekend of the 2023/24 Premier League season continues today with what should be a cracking London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium, serving as the perfect appetiser for a heavyweight showdown between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge later on.
It’s a fresh start for Spurs under new head coach Ange Postecoglou, whose best-laid plans for a fast start to his maiden campaign have been hit hard by the exit of talismanic record scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich on Friday.
With Heung-min Son now captaining the side and Richarlison expected to step up in attack, this is a real early litmus test for a Kane-less Tottenham.
Brentford have enjoyed excellent back-to-back seasons in the top-flight and will be focused on another push for Europe after eventually finishing ninth last term, though have their own major striker absence to deal with as a result of Ivan Toney’s betting ban.
Kick-off today is at 2pm BST, so stay tuned for all the latest match build-up, views from both camps, team news, lineups and blow-by-blow game updates, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick in west London.
This should be anything but dull!
