Leeds vs Brentford Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Leeds United are getting dragged further towards the relegation zone as the Whites welcome European chasing Brentford to Elland Road on Saturday night.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Hulu+
Leeds preview: Need for victories
Daniel Farke and his Leeds side come into this one on the back of a goalless draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park - the third successive match in the league in which they have failed to find the net.
Leeds have suffered four defeats in 20 matches across all competitions since the start of December - but, of those 16 without a loss, there have been too many draws - nine in total. Three of their seven wins have come in the FA Cup, too.
Brentford preview: Pushing for Europe
Brentford begin this weekend's round of fixtures sitting just four points outside of the top five and the probable UEFA Champions League spots in the Premier League this season, with eight games to go.
The Bees head into this one on the back of a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers. A frustrating result, the west Londoners had been 2-0 up after 37 minutes before Wolves continued to show their recent fight.
Leeds team news: Okafor fully fit
Daniel Farke has confirmed that Switzerland international attacker Noah Okafor is fully fit and so he will be expected to start against Brentford on Saturday night.
There will be a slight defensive reshuffle with Gabriel Gudmundsson now missing through suspension and so James Justin could move up to left wing-back with Jaka Bijol forming part of the back three alongside Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Darlow; Rodon, Bijol, Struijk; Bogle, Stach, Ampadu, Justin; Aaronson, Okafor; Calvert-Lewin
Unavailable: Gudmundsson (Suspended)
Questionable:
Brentford team news: Damsgaard a doubt
Denmark international attacking midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard has been 'back on the grass' and could be available this weekend but will have to be assessed ahead of the game.
Brentford remain without the likes of Rico Henry and Vitaly Janelt, although Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson has now returned to full fitness for the Bees.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Henderson, Yarmolyuk; Ouattara, Jensen, Schade; Thiago
Unavailable: Hickey (Injured), Henry (Injured), Milambo (Injured), Dasilva (Fitness), Janelt (Injured), Carvalho (Injured)
Questionable: Damsgaard (Injured)
Leeds vs Brentford prediction
Under the lights with their raucous home atmosphere, Leeds have been nigh on unstoppable this season. Spring has arrived but that atmosphere should remain. That said, Brentford have been efficient and effective on the counter-attack, especially away from home, and so it the hosts won't have it all their own way with a fun watch for the neutral to be expected in Yorkshire.
Leeds vs Brentford tip: Both teams to score
