Leeds United will entertain Brentford in the Skybet Championship this Saturday looking to earn their first win under new manager Paul Heckingbottom. The Peacocks secured a high scoring 2-2 draw versus Championship high-flyers Derby County in their last league outing and will come into this clash full of confidence. Anything other than a victory could end their hopes of a late push for a playoff spot this season. Meanwhile, the visitors are also in a rich vein of form after earning a 5-0 victory over Birmingham City in midweek and are currently sitting just four points and one place above the Peacocks.
The recent history of the fixture makes a grim reading for Leeds fans as their side have lost their last two meetings with the Bees which includes Brentford’s 3-1 triumph over the Peacocks earlier in this campaign. Paul Heckingbottom is expected to opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation and could hand Samuel Saiz his first start after his return from a six-game suspension.
4-2-3-1 Leeds United Predicted Lineup To Face Brentford
Defence
Felix Wiedwald will once again start in goal for the Peacocks and is expected to be shielded by a back four of Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson in central defence while Gaetano Berardi takes his place at right-back and Laurens De Bock starts on the left-hand side of the backline.
Paul Heckingbottom will be hoping that his defenders can keep a rare clean sheet versus the Bees on Saturday in what is set to be his fourth game in charge of the Peacocks.
Midfield
Adam Forshaw and Ronaldo Vieira will line up as the holding midfielders while Pablo Hernandez and Stuart Dallas might play on the wings. Samuel Saiz could be handed his first start after his recent six-match suspension for spitting on an opponent. The Spaniard will be deployed in the number 10 position and will be an integral member of the Leeds attack.
Paul Heckingbottom’s midfield will be responsible for creating and scoring goals on the day to try and put an end to their recent poor run in front of goal which has seen them score only ten times in their last ten games in all competitions.
Attack
Pierre-Michel Lasogga is expected to lead the lines for Leeds United up top. The German forward has been in good form this season and will look to add to his goal tally of 10 goals in 21 matches in the Skybet Championship when he laces up to face the Bees on Saturday. It remains to be seen if he can get his name on the scoresheet against Dean Smith’s side.
