Leeds United are hoping to end a winless run, which stretches back to Boxing Day when the Whites take on Brentford on Saturday at Elland Road.  Paul Heckingbottom almost guided his side to victory on Wednesday at Derby County, only for Kasey Palmer to score a late equaliser for the Rams.  Brentford have climbed up the table in recent weeks and are now in contention for a Play-Off spot.  They recorded a 5-0 victory over Birmingham City on Tuesday and will head north with confidence.

League position

Leeds United: 11th

Brentford: 10th

Recent form

Leeds United: DLLDD

Brentford: LLDWW

Head to head

Leeds United wins: 12

Draws: 12

Brentford wins: 11

Last time Elland Road

Saturday 17th December 2016

Sky Bet Championship

Leeds United 1 (Bartley 89)

Brentford 0

Leeds: Green, Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Taylor (Berardi 58), Vieira, Phillips (Bridcutt 72), Dallas, Sacko, Roofe, Doukara (Antonsson 79).  Subs not used: Silvestri, Cooper, Grimes, Mowatt.

Brentford: Bentley, Colin, Bjelland, Dean, Yannaris (McEachran 72), Hogan, Egan, Woods, Sawyers, Vibe (Kaikai 79), Field (Barbet 83).  Subs not used: Bonham, Saunders, Hofmann, Kerschbaumer, Kaikai, Barbet.

Kyle Bartley’s last minute header secured Leeds United a crucial three points over Brentford in the Championship, ensuring the Whites would be in the Play-Offs on Christmas Day in 2016, as the defender converted a great cross by Stuart Dallas.  Luke Ayling had the best chance of the game to break the deadlock earlier in the second half, from a Dallas corner.  The full-back chested before unleashing a powerful half volley, but he could only send it over the crossbar.  Brentford almost levelled in the third minute of added time, when John Egan’s hooked effort skimmed the cross-bar, but United held on. 

Team news

There is no new injury news for the Whites, with Luke Ayling, Tyler Roberts and Conor Shaughnessy all long term absences.  Samuel Saiz could make his first start after coming off the bench in the midweek draw with Derby County, following suspension.  Rico Henry will be missing for the visitors, but Nico Yennaris (illness) and Lewis MacLeod (injury)could return.  Josh McEachran is available after recovering from a rib injury sustained in the midweek win at Birmingham, whilst Sergi Canos returns from suspension.

The key battle

Adam Forshaw v Romaine Sawyers

January signing Forshaw has proved to be a handful for opposition sides in the heart of the Whites midfield.  Forshaw had a two year stint at Brentford, helping them win promotion to the Championship from League One.  Dean Smith signed Sawyers from his former club Walsall in the summer of 2016.  He played a starring role for the Saddlers in League One and has stepped up to Championship level.  Sawyers was a handful for Leeds at Griffin Park earlier in the season and has made 33 appearances for Brentford this season, scoring five goals.  It will be interesting to see how the two do battle on Saturday.

Betting odds with Ladbrokes

Leeds United: 33/20

Draw: 12/5

Brentford: 6/4

(Odds correct at time of article published)

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Fan zones

Join us ahead of kick-off at Elland Road, in the Foster’s Fan Zone situated at the North East Corner and the Fan Village within the Gowing Law Centenary Pavilion.  Click here for more information and offers.

LUTV

Fans outside of the UK and Ireland can watch Saturday's game with Brentford live on LUTV, with pre-match build up and post match interviews and analysis.  Fans in the UK and Ireland can listen to live commentary with Thom Kirwin and Eddie Gray on LUTV.  Build up will begin from 2:00pm. Click here to subscribe now.

Tickets

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