Tottenham cannot afford to take Brentford lightly in semifinal

Tottenham are a match away from appearing in their first domestic cup final in five years, but cannot afford to take an in-form Brentford side lightly. 

Being clear favourites comes with its fair share of responsibility. It’s always easier being an underdog unexpected to win. With nothing to lose, Brentford come into Tuesday’s semifinal loose, free and with ambitions of reaching a Wembley final.

Tottenham, who haven’t qualified for a domestic final since losing 2-0 to Chelsea in 2015, will undoubtedly feel the mounting pressure. But that pressure is absolutely fine with Jose Mourinho. He is more acclimated with pressure than most managers in world football. And more often than not, he calmly prevails in pivotal matches. Expect a desperate Tottenham side vying to end their trophy drought to espouse their manager’s cool-under-pressure demeanour.

This match is too important for the club to take their surging opponent for granted. Brentford haven’t lost a match since Oct. 24, so confidence will be high in the Bees’ camp.

Scoring 36 goals in 22 matches, Brentford possesses the Championship’s second most potent attack. Only Bournemouth, with 37 goals, have a more prolific attack. Ivan Toney, who has 16 goals in 22 matches, is Brentford’s most dangerous threat. The league’s joint top scorer, he is Brentford’s main match winner, so any complacency could cost the odds-on favourites.

But Jose’s side is blessed with superior skill and technical nous. Tottenham, as long as they match Brentford’s desire, will come through this potentially tricky fixture. The will to get back to the Promise Land should galvanize this current Spurs squad. It’s an opportunity they simply cannot pass up.

Regardless of how Spurs play on Tuesday, don’t expect them to let this opportunity slip. Even though the Carabao Cup isn’t exactly elite teams’ top priority, this season’s edition represents so much more for the north London side and Spurs will not make the mistake of undervaluing this particular trophy.