Daniel Farke must be wary as Brentford top Premier League stat that could harm Leeds
Leeds are aiming to become just the second team to beat Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium this season on Sunday.
Daniel Farke‘s side have found a new lease of life in recent weeks, and Leeds’ 3-3 draw against Liverpool on 6 December has given fans hope that they can avoid relegation.
Sadly for Leeds supporters, Brentford are still expected to claim all three points, and the Peacocks go into yet another match as the overwhelming underdogs.
Leeds beat Brentford 2-1 on the final day of the 2021-22 season to secure Premier League survival in the most dramatic circumstances under Jesse Marsch.
A lot has changed since then, and this season, Keith Andrews’ side are certainly making the most of winning an unprecedented amount of penalties.
Brentford have won the most penalties in the Premier League this season
Only Man City have claimed an away win against the Bees this season, and they will be looking to secure a victory to distance themselves from the drop zone after back-to-back losses.
They have exceeded pre-season expectations as they sit 15th in the table, just one place and four points above the Peacocks.
Brentford have been awarded the most penalties in the Premier League this season, winning seven from their 16 matches, with their physicality from long throws and set pieces helping.
| Team | Penalties awarded |
| Brentford | 7 |
| Man United | 4 |
| 5 teams (inc. Leeds) | 3 |
With a conversion rate of 71.4 per cent (5/7), Igor Thiago has proved to be deadly from 12 yards out.
Leeds themselves have conceded two penalties, with those coming against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, and Farke will be aware that they can’t afford to make any mistakes in the box.
The Peacocks are on a four-game losing run away from home, and giving away a spot-kick would leave them well-placed to extend that torrid record.
Dango Ouattara has won four alone, and Gabriel Gudmundsson is in for a tough afternoon against the Burkina Faso international, who is set for AFCON after the game.
Gabriel Gudmundsson can continue impressive form against Dango Outtara
Kevin Schade’s suspension is a huge bonus for Leeds, but the German winger has been nowhere near as threatening as Ouattara has been.
The record signing has thrived playing in Brentford’s system, with his blistering pace perfect for catching teams out on the break.
Gudmundsson has been a brilliant signing since arriving from Lille in the summer, and he’s taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.
However, a lot of Leeds’ attacking threat comes from the wide areas, and with the Swede constantly providing support by overlapping, it could leave his side exposed at the back.
If he gives Ouattara too much space, then Leeds’ chances of winning would dramatically fall, in what will prove to be another stern defensive test of the new system.
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