Tottenham Hotspur host Brentford this weekend in a Premier League fixture that offers both sides an opportunity to reverse worrying trends.
Spurs have not won in five league matches and are stuck in a run that has steadily dragged them into the lower half of the table.
They salvaged a dramatic point at Newcastle United last time out and will hope that performance represents the start of a gradual improvement.
Cristian Romero’s late equaliser gave them a 2-2 draw that ended a three-game losing streak in all competitions.
Manager Thomas Frank argued that the point reflected a positive mentality and a willingness to fight, and he believes the squad reacted well after a difficult opening spell.
Tottenham still looked fractured in key areas, and they were regularly exposed on transitions despite adopting a more cautious approach.
They have also struggled significantly at home, collecting one of the worst records in the Premier League this season on their own ground.
If they lose again, they could set a new club record for home defeats within a single calendar year.
Brentford will hope that Tottenham’s vulnerability may offer a clear path to points in a tight bottom-half battle.
The visitors head into the game on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal. Their defensive set-up failed to prevent an early goal, which undermined their plan.
Brentford have failed to keep a clean sheet in six league matches and continue to suffer from lapses in defensive structure that undermine improved attacking phases.
Their away form is also concerning, with six defeats in seven away fixtures this season.
However, Brentford may sense an opportunity to exploit Tottenham’s low confidence and add to the pressure surrounding a manager they know well.
Frank transformed Brentford during his time in charge there, which adds a layer of intrigue to what is already an important derby for both clubs.
A win for Tottenham would ease some of the tension around the project and finally break a run that has threatened to suffocate their season.
A Brentford victory would deepen Tottenham’s problems and provide a significant boost to a side that has struggled to sustain momentum.
