Frank considering midfield changes for Leeds game

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Brentford boss Thomas Frank says midfielders Mathias Jensen and Shandon Baptiste could be in line to start against Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday after coming off the bench in the defeat at Spurs on Thursday.

The pair entered the fray in the 2-0 loss for the final 20 minutes of the match which resulted in the Bees enjoying their best spell of the game and Frank admits he is tempted to name them in his starting line-up.


Jensen has not started for three matches after testing positive for Covid-19 and Baptiste, who missed most of last season due to knee surgery, is making his way back from a dislocated shoulder sustained in the win at West Ham in October.

However, Frank said French winger Yoane Wissa isn’t yet ready to play 90 minutes and likely to remain on the bench.

“They are all definitely getting closer,” Frank said.

“With Wissa it may come a bit too early as he has only just returned to training but Shandon and Matias are definitely very close.”

Leeds have so far failed to emulate their excellent first season back in the top flight this campaign but look set to welcome back Patrick Bamford from injury and Frank said Marcelo Bielsa’s side are a huge inspiration to his team in how to stay in the Premier League after gaining promotion.

“It didn’t surprise me the first season they had. I knew they would make it difficult for many teams and play some fantastic football which is what they did,” he said.

“This year they have been slightly unlucky in games. They’ve had injuries to key players.

“For me Leeds is a team that are a big asset to the Premier League because of their history and their fans but also their style of play and I am big admirer of Bielsa.

“You have your own belief as a manager and of your players. I believe in my players and what they are capable of.

“I look at other clubs for inspiration and Leeds are one of those.

“Wolves are another and Sheffield United in their first season also.

“You need to take the best bits from them, tweak it around our style and work on how we do it.”