Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood has expressed confidence that Spurs will start with a victory against Brentford in Roberto De Zerbi’s Premier League opener, reports BritPanorama.
Tottenham heads to the Gtech Community Stadium for the Saturday night fixture, coming off a positive run last season. A revamped Spurs side under De Zerbi has generated optimism for the new campaign, with Sherwood backing them to secure a strong start.
Speaking to NetBet Sports Betting, Sherwood stated, “They’ll be disappointed if they lose, and the fans will certainly be disappointed because they’re really on a high.” He emphasized the importance of a good beginning to build confidence and support among fans.
He added, “If they lose this first game, I can hear the Tottenham fans now: ‘Oh, here we go, same old.’ They need to stay positive.” Sherwood underscored the significance of a strong performance to set the tone for the season ahead, emphasizing that the last thing Spurs fans want is to hear “Hey Jude” played while clapping in defeat.
Spurs enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season, securing victories against Chelsea and Hoffenheim. However, Sherwood cautioned that strong pre-season results should be viewed with skepticism. “Don’t read into it. I won the league with Blackburn, and we got beaten by Doncaster in a pre-season friendly,” he remarked. “Friendlies mean nothing; all they mean is you’re getting fit.”
One of the notable returns for Spurs is midfielder James Maddison, who has seen playing time in the last pre-season match. There is speculation on whether he will start, as Sherwood noted, “I’m not sure he plays. … I think he slows the game up, and at times you need that.” He added that De Zerbi’s style prioritizes quicker transitions, putting Maddison’s role in question as the season begins.
As the first game approaches, there is palpable anticipation surrounding both Spurs and their supporters. The outcome of this opening fixture could very well shape the mood for the remainder of the season, reminding everyone how often hope and disappointment can share the same breath in football.
