Leeds v Brentford: five key battles
Brentford travel to Leeds United on Saturday, undefeated in their last three trips to Elland Road. Here’s five battles we think could help decide the result.
Maxime Colin v Stuart Dallas
Northern Ireland winger Dallas spent just over three years at Griffin Park, playing 75 games and scoring 10 goals. He was a virtual ever-present in his first season at Leeds but has had injury problems this term. Colin has been excellent of late, and turned in Romaine Sawyers’ shot at Bristol City on Tuesday for his second goal in Bees colours.
Scott Hogan v Pontus Jansson
With 13 goals in 21 games, only Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle has scored more in the Championship this season than Hogan. The next man to have to deal with him is Jansson, a Sweden international defender signed on loan from Torino, who has a habit of picking up yellow cards – six in his last eight in fact, for club and country.
Harlee Dean v Marcus Antonsson
With Chris Wood a major doubt due to a tight hamstring, Marcus Antonsson is expected to lead the Leeds line. He has only one goal in 13 Championship appearances this term, compared to Wood’s 11 in 21, so Bees skipper Dean may be relieved to see the Swede.
Ryan Woods v Kemar Roofe
Both Woods and Roofe secured moves after helping their previous clubs to promotion from League Two. Ex-Shrewsbury man Woods has been one of Brentford’s best finds, dictating the tempo in the middle, while Roofe – scorer of 26 goals from midfield for Oxford last season, including a 40-yarder against Brentford in the League Cup – has taken a little time to adjust to the jump.
Romaine Sawyers v Ronaldo Vieira
The subject of criticism from a section of Bees fans this season, summer signing Sawyers has been given the full backing of his manager and will be a key cog between the midfield and attack at Elland Road. In his way stands an 18-year-old Brazilian with a name that could weigh heavy on him – but he was superb in wins over Norwich, Aston Villa and Reading.
