The transfer window has come to a close and the clubs can now switch their focus towards gaining momentum in the Premier League. Brentford host Leeds United on matchday 6 with both the teams in search of a win having drawn last time out. Jesse Marsch’s Leeds have picked up 8 points so far and see themselves 7th in the league. Meanwhile, the Bees are placed 11th in the table having picked up 6 points with only one win so far this season.
When and Where?
Date: 3rd September 2022.
Time: 2:00 PM GMT.
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium.
Match Officials
Referee: Robert Jones.
Assistants: Eddie Smart, James Mainwaring.
Fourth Official: Keith Stroud.
VAR: David Coote.
Assistant VAR: Nick Greenhalgh.
Team News
The Bees will be without Kristoffer Ajer, Ethan Pinnock, Sergi Canos and Pontus Jansson as they are all on the sidelines with injuries. Thomas Frank will have the same team that drew away at Selhurst Park for the game with Mikkel Damsgaard fully fit to start against Leeds.
Jesse Marsch has had to deal with plenty of first-team injuries since the start of the season and will miss Junior Firpo, Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper through long-term injuries. Leeds’ top scorer Rodrigo picked up a shoulder injury in their game against Everton. The Peacocks will have to cope up without their star player and find the means to snatch all 3 points from a resilient Brentford side.
Match Analysis
Brentford have had just one win all season with the 3 points coming against Manchester United. Thomas Frank’s side have looked far from convincing with two consecutive draws. The Bees look leaky defensively having conceded 7 times. The tactical change from last season wherein Thomas Frank has switched to a back 4 hasn’t worked so far and the Bees might revert to their usual back 5 system for the game against Leeds.
Jesse Marsch on the other hand looks like a happy coach with his side looking solid. The Peacocks’ summer recruitment and the philosophy of the American look like the perfect combination as Marsch-ball is in full force. The American’s relentless pressing style has helped his side recover the ball faster in the opposition’s final third and have swift counter-attacking opportunities. This was seen in their 3-0 win against Chelsea wherein the Leeds side outran and outmuscled the Blues at home. A similar performance will be expected by the Leeds faithful against Brentford as the Leeds faithful would be more than happy with their side’s performances this season.
Key Players
Brenden Aaronson
The American has hit the ground running already after his move from MLS. Nicknamed the “Medford Messi” by the American fan base, the 21-year-old has a goal and an assist to his name in 5 appearances for the Peacocks. He is averaging 24.48 pressures per 90, 6.96 progressive passer per 90 and 0.24 assists per 90 this season for his side and is the playmaker for his side’s attack. The leaky Brentford defence will be the perfect opponent for Aaronson to increase his goal tally and get his side all 3 points.
Ivan Toney
The 26-year-old has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists in his side’s opening 5 games contributing to 40% of the Bees’ goals. The striker is averaging 0.22 xG assisted per 90, 0.70 interceptions per 90 and 4.46 aerials won per 90. The Englishman will be the main attacking threat Leeds will have to nullify to avoid conceding.
Predicted XIs
Brentford predicted lineup Leeds United: Raya, Henry, Mee, Jorgensen, Hickey, Baptiste, Janelt, Wissa, Damsgaard, Toney, Mbuemo.
Leeds United predicted lineup vs Brentford: Meslier, Nissen, Koch, Llorente, Struijk, Adams, Roca, Sinisterra, Aaronson, Harrison, Bamford.
