Brentford welcome relegation-battling Leeds United to Brentford Community Stadium in a huge final-day clash in 2021-22 Premier League.
Victory could see Brentford finish as high as ninth if results elsewhere go in their favour, whilst Leeds must better Burnley’s result in order to avoid relegation.
Team News
Frank Onyeka is set to return for Brentford after recovering from an ankle injury which has sidelined him in recent weeks.
Ethan Pinnock (hamstring), Saman Ghoddos (ankle) and Mathias Jorgensen (quad) remain ruled out.
Leeds expect to have Robin Koch available after he recovered from a knock suffered in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Patrick Bamford (foot) is a doubt with the striker set to face a late fitness test.
Luke Ayling, Adam Forshaw (both knee), Crysencio Summerville (ankle), Tyler Roberts (hamstring), Daniel James (suspension) and Stuart Dallas (thigh) remain absent.
Stat Attack
- Brentford avoided defeat in their only previous Premier League meeting against Leeds, as Thomas Frank’s Bees claimed a 2-2 draw at Elland Road in December 2021.
- Leeds are visiting Brentford Community Stadium for the first time but are winless in their last 11 visits to the Bees across all competitions (D4, L7).
- Brentford have scored in each of their last six home matches against Leeds since suffering a goalless draw in December 2009 in League One.
- Ivan Toney has been involved in 17 of Brentford’s 47 league goals this season, with 12 goals and five assists in 32 appearances.
- Raphinha has had more touches than any other Leeds player in the attacking penalty box in the Premier League this season, having made 141 touches in 34 appearances.
Prediction
Although there isn’t much to play for on this final day for Brentford, Thomas Frank’s Bees seriously should look to chase a top-ten finish if they continue to play like they’ve done in recent weeks, although their defending needs improvement after a shaky display at Everton last Sunday.
Leeds meanwhile just need to go out and give it everything and hope Burnley lose elsewhere, yet Jesse Marsch’s Whites will need to be at their absolute best after wasting numerous chances against Brighton last Sunday amidst solid defending against constant attacks.
Brentford though haven’t been a happy hunting ground for Leeds in recent years and with the Bees in decent form, I am struggling to see how the visitors can get anything other than a draw at a best and their woeful mid-season form will ultimately be their downfall.
Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Leeds
Result: Brentford 1-2 Leeds
Leave a Reply