Antonio Conte marched Tottenham Hotspur to a first top-four finish since 2019 within six months of his arrival in north London, and Spurs are on the right track to repeat the feat in the Italian’s first full season in charge.

Here, Sky Sports’ Declan Olley provides the expert view before Spurs’ clash with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur are fourth in the Premier League as domestic football returns following the break for the World Cup in Qatar. What had you made of their season up to that point?

Sitting in the top four and through to the last 16 of the Champions League makes for pleasant reading from a Tottenham perspective, but, truthfully, results have outpaced performances with only a handful of wins convincing in nature.

The main frustration for Spurs fans is the team’s habit of lackluster first halves followed by free-flowing second halves, which is reflected in the fact that Tottenham have failed to lead at half-time in their last nine matches in all competitions.

If Spurs can cut out the slow starts, then there is real hope the team can have a strong second half to the season.

Spurs did lose three of their last five league outings, shipping 11 goals in the process, so how grateful do you think they will have been for the chance to halt that disappointing slide?

The World Cup came at a good time for Spurs; Antonio Conte’s side were looking fatigued from around mid-October onwards as a packed schedule caught up with them.

Conte admitted after Spurs’ final game before Qatar - the rollercoaster 4-3 home win over Leeds - that he was “really happy” to have the break due to tiredness.

But as well as allowing his players a rest and giving Conte time to iron things out, the World Cup has also provided players such as Richarlison and Ivan Perisic to build form at the tournament so they can hit the ground running on their return.

The January transfer window is just a few days away from opening now. In which areas do you think Spurs need to strengthen, if any?

Right wing-back, without a doubt. Neither Emerson Royal nor Matt Doherty have convinced this season while Djed Spence is not getting the opportunities. A move for Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries would be an exciting one that could transform this area for Spurs.

An attacking midfielder and a centre-back are also positions the club should be looking to strengthen – Leicester’s James Maddison and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni are potential targets.

Which player should Brentford fans keep an eye on?

Dejan Kulusevski returned to the starting line-up against Leeds for the first time since September and made a massive difference as he superbly assisted Rodrigo Bentancur’s late winner.

The 22-year-old is vitally important to this Spurs side - his directness and creativity was sorely missed in his two-month absence due to a hamstring injury. Tottenham fans will be hoping he stays fit for the rest of the season.

How is Antonio Conte likely to set up his side in west London?

Tottenham will likely line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with an attacking trio of Kulusevski, Heung-min Son and Harry Kane. Do not be surprised if Brentford have the better of possession, though, with Spurs happy to hit the home side on the counter attack.

The last meeting between the teams in April ended in a goalless draw. What’s your score prediction for this one?

I think Brentford will take the lead but Spurs will respond, as they have done for most of the season, to come back and win 2-1.

I’m going to predict the victorious goal being a Kane penalty, as he puts his missed spot-kick at the World Cup against France immediately behind him!