James Flack Football Analysis

Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United Preview Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United Friday 19th June Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 8pm One of the biggest matches of the Premier League's return is Tottenham vs Manchester United.  Jose Mourinho takes on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Last time the 2 sides met, Solskjaer's reds came out on top at Old Trafford, winning 2-1 thanks to 2 Marcus Rashford goals. This time is going to be very different. Spurs' new stadium will be almost empty and players are unlikely to be fully match sharp, 5 substitutions will also be allowed which could prove to be the difference late in the game. United currently sit 5th in the league on 45 points, with Spurs in 8th on 41. This game could prove crucial in the hunt for top 4, as both sides will be aiming for that 4th Champions League spot where Chelsea are currently sitting on 48 points. It is still unknown as to whether 5th place will be granted a Champ

How Brentford's data driven approach has led them to the cusp of the Premier League Brentford's business model Brentford have long been fans of a data driven approach to recruitment and style of play. They seem to be achieving their targets as they find themselves in the play-offs with a squad full of talented players. Brentford's model focusses on being able to 'identify undervalued talent in the market, develop them, and then sell them on for profit, gradually building more value into the squad and gradually increasing the level of the squad.' (Rasmus Ankersen, Brentford co-director; Speaking to TalkSport, 2020). Brentford's owner, Matthew Benham, has been a fan of the club since he was 11. He is an Oxford University graduate who made his money in sports betting with his company SmartOdds, in 2011 he also became the owner of betting exchange website Matchbook. His history in betting has supported his approach with Brentford which focusses on using data