Softfootball understands that Brentford welcomes Leeds United to the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon, in a game that still feels important for both sides.
The Bees haven’t had much to smile about lately, especially away from home, while Leeds come in riding a bit of momentum after two strong nights at Elland Road.
Brentford posted photos of their players training ahead of the game via their official X account.
View the post below:
Since thumping Grimsby Town 5-0 in the EFL Cup towards the end of October, Brentford’s league form has dipped, and it hasn’t really recovered.
Four defeats in their last six Premier League outings tell most of the story, and December didn’t exactly start how they wanted either.
Brentford lost 2-0 to Arsenal in their first game in December and also lost 2-0 again to Tottenham three days later. It was the first time all season they’d lost back-to-back league games, and the lack of goals in those matches stood out a bit too much.
As a result, Keith Andrews’s side now sits 14th, six points clear of the bottom three. That gap offers some breathing room, but not comfort. Coming back to the Gtech should help, though. Brentford have been solid at home and will be chasing a fourth straight league win there.
Igor Thiago continues to be a big reason for that. The Brazilian has taken to English football quickly, serious injury or not, scoring 11 league goals already. Winning the Player of the Month award in November wasn’t exactly a surprise.
Leeds United arrive in West London feeling slightly better about things. November was rough: four games, four defeats, no real arguments. But December has seen a response. A lively 3-1 win over Chelsea was followed by a late, dramatic draw with Liverpool.
Those results have nudged Leeds up to 16th, just two points above the relegation zone.
There has been some encouragement up front at least. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has started scoring again, netting against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in recent weeks.
Team News
Brentford will be without Kevin Schade after the winger picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. Reiss Nelson could return after missing the recent defeats with a knock, though a late call may be needed.
Dango Ouattara is expected to feature before heading off to AFCON duty with Burkina Faso. Josh Dasilva is still sidelined and yet to play this season, while Fabio Carvalho remains out long-term with a serious knee problem.
Leeds have doubts of their own. Lukas Nmecha is struggling with a hamstring issue despite his recent scoring run. Sean Longstaff and Dan James are both aiming for New Year returns, so this one comes a little early for them.
Possible Lineups
Brentford:
Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry; Henderson, Yarmolyuk; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Nelson; Thiago
Leeds United:
Perri; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Stach, Ampadu, Tanaka; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor
Softfootball’s Prediction
Brentford may not be quite as sharp going forward this weekend, and that could give Leeds moments. But with the Whites still struggling badly away from home, it feels like the hosts might just edge it.
Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Leeds United
