A comprehensive 2-0 away win against Wigan Athletic has placed Leeds United at the top of the Championship standings on goal difference. But they are in the hunt for their maiden home win of the 2019-20 season and must not replicate the disappointment of the Nottingham Forest fixture on Wednesday night at Elland Road.
The Whites are set to host Brentford who have won only once so far this campaign. But the win occurred on the road against Middlesbrough and the game would see former fans’ favourite Pontus Jansson returning to West Yorkshire upon completion of his summer move to Griffin Park earlier this window.
Leeds United Team News vs Brentford
Leeds have a couple of significant injury absentees in Luke Ayling and Tyer Roberts. Both of them missed out the pre-season entirely and are currently nursing their respective ankle and knee strains. They played a key role last term, and Marcelo Bielsa must be hoping for their speedy recovery to boost his squad.
Leeds United Formation vs Brentford
The set-up might have failed to work out at times, but the gaffer is unlikely to alter the preferred 4-1-4-1 that he has implemented since joining the Whites last summer.
Defence
The exit of Bailey Peacock-Farrell depicts the Argentine’s faith in veteran Kiko Casilla despite his costly errors towards the closure of the previous campaign. The Spaniard would retain his place between the sticks behind an unchanged ‘back four’ of Stuart Dallas, Ben White, Liam Cooper and Barry Douglas.
The backline is improving gradually irrespective of the early jitters. White, the new central defensive partner of skipper Coopper, must look to continue his blistering form in the heart of the Whites’ defence. Douglas has made a strong start after an injury-plagued debut season whereas versatile Dallas, currently deputising for injured Ayling, should keep on impressing like he has done so far while operating as a right-back.
Midfield
The club have successfully kept hold of their homegrown prodigy Kalvin Phillips in spite of Aston Villa’s interest. The Englishman has become an integral part of Bielsa’s system due to his presence in between the backline and ‘midfield four’.
Mateusz Klich is going to be partnered by Adam Forshaw in the middle of the park. The latter has been promising so far and came close to scoring twice against the Latics on Saturday afternoon. Man City loanee Jack Harrison has improved his game significantly and should keep his place on the left-hand flank.
Pablo Hernandez is irreplaceable for his work ethics, exquisite skills, creativity, scoring traits and vision. Yet the manager should rest the 34-year-old and line up their star signing Helder Costa from the beginning to avoid fatigue and further fitness concerns.
Attack
Leeds roped in Eddie Nketiah on loan from Arsenal in the aftermath of Kemar Roofe’s departure. But they must bank on Patrick Bamford to lead the line, particularly after his brace against Wigan at the DW Stadium.
