Some of Leeds United’s most significant performances of recent seasons have come against Brentford, as the Whites gear up for another big game in the Premier League.
Having steadied the ship in recent days, Daniel Farke must now address Leeds’ poor away form as his side face a daunting game against Brentford.
Keith Andrews’ Brentford side have lost just one home game this season, against Manchester City, which paints a stark contrast to Leeds’ solitary away win.
However, Farke’s side have built new momentum in recent weeks and, with Lukas Nmecha expected to be fit, he will have a strong side to choose from.
Leeds’ last Premier League win in London came in the 2021/22 season, as Raphinha’s heroics helped secure their top-flight status. But a 1-1 draw against the Bees in the 2019/20 season proved equally significant.
How many points can Leeds get from the next five games? 🔮
Leeds United breathed new life into promotion push v Brentford in 2020
Having missed out on promotion from the Championship under Marcelo Bielsa the previous season, the Whites were looking to atone for their late-season collapse the following year.
However, a tricky festive period meant Leeds travelled to Brentford in the middle of another wobble, having dropped points to allow the chasing pack to close the gap.
The then Brentford manager Thomas Frank attempted to ramp up the pressure on Leeds ahead of the game, stating that Leeds “fear us”, and adding, “They couldn’t pick a worse place to play on Tuesday night, they couldn’t. I am 100 per cent sure of that,” via Yorkshire Live.
However, with Kalvin Phillips back in the side after suspension, Brentford met a reinvigorated Leeds side, who appeared to be leaving their troubles behind them.
How important was this Liam Cooper goal against Brentford in 2020? 😅
Marcelo Bielsa's side showed Thomas Frank no fear in a crucial game in their promotion bid
A poor goalkeeping error from Kiko Casilla allowed Said Benrahma to give Brentford the lead, before Liam Cooper struck to bring the away side level.
Although Leeds could not find the goal they needed to win the game, their resolute performance showed they were not about to lie down and miss their second chance at promotion.
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Leeds United need to channel the same spirit of defiance in crucial Brentford clash
Although there is no promotion on the line for Leeds on this occasion, their upcoming game against Brentford is just as important as their visit in the winter of 2020.
With striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s prolific form, and a new 3-5-2 system helping to inspire an uplift in performances against Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool, Leeds have the weapons to threaten the Bees.
Leeds’ point in February 2020 was fuelled by a righteous indignation, as Bielsa’s squad looked to prove their doubters, and Frank, wrong with a battling performance.
Having picked up just three points away from home so far this season, Leeds need to find the same never-say-die spirit as they look to avoid leaving London empty-handed once again.
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