"Pocketing Ivan 'bet365' toney" - Tottenham fans delighted as Antonio Conte names 'interesting' option in starting line-up against Brentford

Tottenham Hotspur fans have reacted in a variety of ways to Antonio Conte naming Japhet Tanganga in his starting XI for their match against Brentford. The two teams will lock horns at the Brentford Community Stadium in a Boxing Day Premier League encounter on December 26.

Spurs are without Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero, who is yet to return to the club after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup with La Albiceleste. This opened up a slot in Conte's three-man defense, with Tanganga, who has played no Premier League minutes this term, getting picked ahead of Davinson Sanchez.

Sanchez, who is on the bench, has started six league matches for the London giants this season.

The decision to start Tanganga clearly created a buzz among Tottenham fans on Twitter. One of them tweeted a GIF containing some of former Spurs boss Jose Mourinho's iconic celebrations with the caption:

"Tanganga after pocketing Ivan 'bet365' toney"

Samwell is verr kool

@samstermani456

@SpursOfficial @OfficialFPL Tanganga after pocketing Ivan "bet365" toney

1

@SpursOfficial @OfficialFPL Tanganga after pocketing Ivan "bet365" toney https://t.co/RO385tV0o9

The caption was referring to Brentford striker Ivan Toney being charged with 262 alleged breaches of betting rules by the Football Association (via the Daily Mail).

Another fan wrote on Twitter:

"Tanganga is an interesting surprise..."

Matt Hayes

@matthayesthfc

@SpursOfficial Tanganga is an interesting surprise...

234

1

@SpursOfficial Tanganga is an interesting surprise...

Here are some more reactions to Spurs' line-up for the clash against Brentford:

Alex Mitton

@Alexmitton10

@SpursOfficial Tanganga

94

@SpursOfficial Tanganga 😳

Gareth Davies

@Gareth_Davies09

@SpursOfficial Oh Conte you big tease

108

1

@SpursOfficial Oh Conte you big tease

𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐂 🇦🇷🇫🇷

@SondayDelight

@SpursOfficial TANGANGA INSTEAD OF SANCHEZ, I PRAYED FOR DAYS LIKE THIS.

1

@SpursOfficial TANGANGA INSTEAD OF SANCHEZ, I PRAYED FOR DAYS LIKE THIS. 😭 https://t.co/kxoFmmKP2n

⋆ C ⋆ | #82

@The82Club

@SpursOfficial Dont underestimate our boy

Great to see him getting a chance

39

2

@SpursOfficial Dont underestimate our boy

Great to see him getting a chance https://t.co/c40o6drve7

CK

@thfckolcz

@SpursOfficial Tanganga is an interesting one. Fingers crossed COYS

1

@SpursOfficial Tanganga is an interesting one. Fingers crossed COYS

Among other notable changes in Antonio Conte's XI, Fraser Forster replaced Hugo Lloris, who made the 2022 FIFA World Cup final with France. Yves Bissouma was picked ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur.

Tottenham Hotspur XI vs. Brentford: Fraser Forster; Eric Dier, Clement Lenglet, Japhet Tanganga; Ivan Perisic, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Yves Bissouma, Matt Doherty; Heung-min Son, Harry Kane, Dejan Kulusevski.

Tottenham Hotspur

@SpursOfficial

Your Boxing Day starting XI 🥊

#BRETOT

6315

948

Your Boxing Day starting XI 🥊

#BRETOT https://t.co/ONp8jSLe7C

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Brentford failed to beat Tottenham Hotspur last season

Brentford enjoyed a stellar 2021-22 Premier League season, their first in the top-flight after 74 long years.

The Bees finished a respectable 13th in the standings and even took the game to some of their more-fancied opponents. However, Thomas Frank's side didn't get much joy against Tottenham Hotspur.

The first meeting between the two teams was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December 2021. Spurs took the lead in the first half through a Sergi Canos own goal before sealing a 2-0 win through Son Heung-min's 65th-minute strike.

The reverse fixture in April 2022 at the Brentford Community Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw. Both teams managed just two combined shots on target. Spurs notably hit the woodwork twice, but the Bees held on for a largely deserved point.

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