Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Thu 19 March 2026 7:10, UK

Brenden Aaronson could drop out of the side when Leeds United host Brentford at Elland Road in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Whites are only three points above the drop zone after going winless in their last five top-flight matches.

Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace was a good point in hindsight, but Leeds really need to start turning some of their good performances into three points.

Up next for the Whites is a meeting with Keith Andrews’ Brentford, who blew a two-goal lead to draw with Wolves last time out.

Leeds are still in danger of relegation from the Premier League, and Farke may look to mix up his starting lineup at Aaronson’s expense.

Ilia Gruev to replace Brenden Aaronson vs Brentford

The USA international was in fine form over January, but his quality in the final third has started to fade in recent weeks.

Against Palace, Aaronson was taken off at half-time after delivering an uninspiring display in the heart of midfield.

Although the change was partly due to the fact that Leeds were down to 10 men, his poor performances have been a recurring theme, and it wouldn’t be a shock if Farke were to leave him out of the team.

As a result, Ilia Gruev could return to the side in an attempt to sure things up in midfield.

According to Sofascore, the Bulgarian international has completed 85.7 per cent of his attempted dribbles, and he could unsettle Brentford’s midfield with his ability on the ball.

The other change is enforced, with Jayden Bogle coming in for the suspended Gabriel Gudmundsson.

The rest of the team should remain unchanged, with James Justin playing in a more advanced role.

Why James Justin can thrive at right wing-back

Whilst it wasn’t the most exciting signing, Justin offers experience and reliability to Leeds that many of his fellow teammates at Elland Road didn’t have at the start of the campaign.

Having won 60.4 per cent of his ground duels and 58.1 per cent in the league this season, it’s clear that he’s been an astute acquisition, and there’s no doubt that he has been important for the Whites.

Despite playing as a centre-back for large parts of the campaign, he now looks primed to play high up the pitch as a right wing-back.

Having created four big chances this season, he clearly has the quality to pick out his teammates in the box.

With his energy up and down the pitch, Justin won’t look out of place, and he could cause the Bees some serious problems.