Leeds United Aim for Third Straight Win Against Brentford

Elland Road should crackle again on Sunday. Leeds United have found a bit of rhythm, and Brentford arrive just as Daniel Farke’s side start to look like a team that believes in itself.

Back‑to‑back wins over Nottingham Forest have changed the mood. From anxious to assertive. Leeds now go into this Premier League clash chasing a third straight victory, and Farke is expected to double down on what’s worked: a bold 3-4-3 and a strong, settled core.

Trafford behind a reshaped back three

James Trafford keeps his place in goal after his clean sheet last time out. He has grown into the role and, for now, has the gloves locked down.

In front of him, Farke is set to stick with a back three of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Tarik Muharemovic. It’s not the most glamorous unit in the league, but it has given Leeds a better shape and more control in their own half. Rodon’s aggression, Bijol’s reading of the game and Muharemovic’s mobility give the side a more balanced platform than earlier in the campaign.

Nico Elvedi is likely to be the main defensive option on the bench, ready to step in if Farke needs to tighten things up or shuffle the back line late on.

Engine room built on Ampadu and Stach

The heart of this Leeds side lies in midfield. Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach are expected to anchor the middle again, charged with dictating the tempo and turning defence into attack quickly.

Ampadu brings bite and calm. Stach offers range – in both passing and movement. Together, they will be asked to wrestle control from Brentford and keep Leeds on the front foot, especially in transitions.

Out wide, Jayden Bogle and James Justin will operate as wing-backs. Bogle on the right, Justin on the left. Both will be told to push high, stretch the pitch and constantly ask questions of Brentford’s full-backs with overlapping runs. Their energy will be crucial if Leeds want to pin the visitors back rather than simply absorb pressure.

Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff are expected to start on the bench, but both give Farke genuine options. If Leeds need fresh legs, more control, or a different passing angle in the second half, either could be introduced to tilt the game.

Calvert-Lewin leads an ambitious front three

Up front, the plan is clear: Leeds will go with a front three that can press, run and hurt Brentford in different ways.

Brenden Aaronson is set to start from the left, drifting inside to link play and exploit pockets between the lines. On the opposite flank, Harry Wilson will look to cut in from the right, test the goalkeeper and feed off any loose balls around the box.

Through the middle, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will spearhead the attack. His job is simple, if not easy: bully Brentford’s centre-backs, dominate in the air, and turn half-chances into something more. If Leeds are to make their pressure count, he will have to cause real problems inside the penalty area.

On the bench, Noah Okafor and Daniel James offer pace and direct running should Leeds need a late spark. Both are capable of changing the tempo of a game in the final quarter, especially against tiring legs.

One notable absentee: Wilfried Gnonto misses out with a thigh injury, a blow to Leeds’ attacking depth and unpredictability.

Predicted Leeds United XI vs Brentford (3-4-3)

James Trafford; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Tarik Muharemovic; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, James Justin; Harry Wilson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson.

Momentum is finally with Leeds. Now comes the real test: can they turn a mini-run into something more substantial against a seasoned Premier League opponent at Elland Road?