Credit: Imago

Aheed Abrar

Wed 18 March 2026 10:10, UK

Daniel Farke likely won’t make many changes to his Leeds United starting lineup against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.

YEP journalist Graham Smyth has dismissed suggestions that Wilfried Gnonto could potentially start for the Whites and would be shocked to see it happen, with the German manager holding the possibility of going back to a more attacking formation to face the Bees.

The 49-year-old head coach has preferred playing five defenders in recent months at the West Yorkshire outfit, but he may want to change things up a bit to get the better of Keith Andrews.

Farke hasn’t relied on Gnonto much this season, but the Italian winger’s quality in the final third, especially his crossing, could come in handy at Elland Road on 21 March.

Who should start for Leeds United vs Brentford?

Gabriel Gudmundsson was sent off against Crystal Palace and Farke will be forced to make at least one change to his backline.

James Justin can slot in at left-back with Jayden Bogle on the right and the centre-back trio can arguably stay the same unless there are any fitness concerns.

Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach’s partnership in the engine room has been impressive, but it may be time to drop Brenden Aaronson to the bench.

The USMNT star has seen his form dip drastically in recent matches, making the inclusion of Ao Tanaka or Sean Longstaff a sensible option.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a penalty in the 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park, but Farke will hope he can find the back of the net consistently in the last eight Premier League games of the season.

Lukas Nmecha had to be sacrificed at the break against the Eagles, but the German forward certainly has goals in him.

Speaking on the Inside Elland Road Podcast on 17 March, Smyth said, “Yeah, if a team is susceptible to crosses, Gnonto is your man, isn’t he? But I would be shocked if Farke started him. I wouldn’t be unhappy, I would be quite pleased, but I don’t see it. It feels like too aggressive a move.”

Daniel Farke has key to victory at Elland Road

Igor Thiago is one of the leading goalscorers in the Premier League this season, with 19 in 30 appearances.

Leeds will surely need to keep the Brazilian striker quiet to have the best chance of getting three points at Elland Road.

Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk’s defensive partnership has been solid for the West Yorkshire outfit, and Farke will be confident that his backline can keep the 24-year-old striker at bay.

Teams below the Whites in the league table are starting to pick up points and the German manager has little room for error in the final stretch of the season.