Leeds United are now preparing to face Brentford on Sunday afternoon, with the Whites looking to build on the momentum earned over the last week under Daniel Farke.
Farke has improved his job security, having been on the brink of the sack. After reports emerged that he had to get a result against Liverpool and Chelsea, Paraag Marathe was spotted at Elland Road last week.
Prediction time – do Leeds get a result away at Brentford?
"We're in London, aren't we?"
His decision to attend the win over Chelsea is easy to decipher. But Farke masterminded a 3-1 win over the Club World Cup champions, and then his tactical changes helped Leeds earn a draw against Liverpool.
He has proved himself in the last week and Farke will be hoping that momentum continues when Leeds travel to London on Sunday to take on a Brentford side, who are only four points ahead of Farke’s men.
Daniel Farke’s injury concerns and big decisions v Brentford
Leeds will be without two key players, as they have been for the past couple of games. Sean Longstaff could be missing for a total of eight games. Of those eight, three have been played with Brentford next.
For Dan James, it is a whole lot more long-term. It is believed the speed machine will be injured until the end of January, and from then on in, will require rehab and a slow return to training to get back to speed.
Lukas Nmecha was a late call against Liverpool, but with the aid of a week’s training, it is believed that the two-time Germany star will be fit to play against Brentford. Farke has a decision to make on Ao Tanaka.
After two goals in two games, Farke must consider bringing Tanaka into the XI having dropped him to the bench against Liverpool. Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto may feel they deserve a start, too.
Can Leeds end Brentford’s set piece dominance this weekend? 🧱🐝
The Bees have been strong at the back this season
Leeds United’s predicted line-up to face Brentford on Sunday
In light of the decisions Farke is left to make, LeedsUnited.News predicts two changes for the clash at Brentford. We expect Farke to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that he’s started with in the last two games.
Then, two changes. The first of which is Tanaka, who simply cannot be ignored after two goals in two games. He comes in for Bulgaria star Ilia Gruev, who has proved himself at this level in the last fortnight.
The other change is Nmecha comes in for Noah Okafor up front. With Nmecha alongside Calvert-Lewin, the 3-5-2 system works. While Okafor did nothing wrong, the system simply works better with Nmecha.
Leeds United XI: Lucas Perri; Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Pascal Struijk; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Anton Stach, Gabi Gudmundsson; Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
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