Leeds seeking lift as Brentford hope to end two-game losing run.
Brentford vs. Leeds United kicks off at 16:30 [GMT] on Sunday, December 14, at the Gtech Community.
In 14th place, Brentford host 16th-placed Leeds in what can be described as a bottom-table encounter. The Bees have lost their last two Premier League games [WLWLL], losing 2-0 to both Arsenal and Tottenham. Fortunately, they haven’t lost three in a row since February 2024, while they’ve never gone three in a row without scoring in the competition. It’s a record they would be keen to avoid when they host Leeds United this weekend. Head-to-head, Brentford have managed just one win from their four Premier League meetings with Leeds (D2 L1), though that victory was a memorable 5-2 triumph in September 2022. Despite the not-so-encouraging record, putting an end to their two-game losing streak remains the objective when they host visiting Leeds. The home side could turn to Igor Thiago for inspiration once again. The Brazilian has scored seven goals in his last five home Premier League appearances, scoring a penalty in each of his last three. Only two players have scored a penalty in four home games in a row: Dion Dublin in 1997-98 for Coventry and James Beattie in 2002 for Southampton. The 24-year-old will be looking to join the list on Sunday when he appears at the attacking end of the Bees’ 4—2—3—1 formation.
Leeds, meanwhile, have struggled at the Gtech Community Stadium over the years, winning only one of their last 12 away league visits (D4 L7) — that lone success coming on the dramatic final day of the 2021/22 season to secure their top-flight survival. Leeds’ broader record in the capital does little to inspire confidence either. They have lost their last nine Premier League matches in London, their worst run in the city since the 1920s and 1930s. Meanwhile, they arrive with attacking momentum, having scored three goals in each of their last two league matches — a 3-1 win over Chelsea and a 3-3 draw with Liverpool. That equals the number of times they had scored 3+ goals in their previous 37 Premier League fixtures combined. The last time Leeds hit three or more in three straight top-flight games was over two decades ago, in December 2001. While hitting that enviable streak would be pleasing, their immediate concern would be steering further away from the bottom three. With only two points above the troubled trio, Sunday’s match could be described as a must-win for the Whites. A 3—5—2 formation with Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack is expected against Brentford.