Ilia Gruev axed as Daniel Farke takes away-day gamble – Leeds predicted XI vs Brentford
Daniel Farke will likely keep the majority of his starting lineup the same for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Brentford.
Leeds sit 16th in the Premier League table after positive results against Chelsea and Liverpool, although they still sit just two points above the relegation zone.
Fans are feeling optimistic following Leeds’ 3-3 draw to Liverpool, and they take on a Brentford side that has been incredibly impressive at home.
Farke has injuries to contend with throughout the team, although he could still be tempted into making at least one change.
Ao Tanaka to come in for Ilia Gruev vs Brentford
Tanaka has flourished for Leeds in recent weeks, with his 96th-minute equaliser against the Reds sending Elland Road into delirium on 6 December.
Tanaka – hailed as “unbelievable” by Arsenal star Declan Rice earlier this year – started on the bench as Gruev took up a spot in midfield, and the Bulgaria international was replaced by the 27-year-old in the 65th minute.
Gruev’s ineffective performance means that Farke may be tempted to start Tanaka, who is finding the back of the net with ease at the moment.
Still, changing a winning formula from the Liverpool match could be considered a game of sorts for this away clash with Brentford.
| Stat | Ao Tanaka |
| Appearances | 12 |
| Starts | 6 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Pass accuracy | 85.9% |
| Interceptions | 12 |
As for the rest of the team, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s remarkable form should see him partnered with Noah Okafor up front, as Sunday’s match may come too soon for Lukas Nmecha.
The backline should remain the same, and Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach will undoubtedly partner Tanaka in what should be a three-man midfield.
Brentford have beaten Liverpool and drawn with Chelsea at the Gtech Community Stadium, and Leeds will have to continue using their direct approach if they want to record their second away win of the season.
Leeds’ 3-5-2 formation could be incredibly dangerous vs Brentford
After the tactic caused huge issues against both Man City and Chelsea, it was largely ineffective against Liverpool until a dramatic conclusion.
However, with Brentford thriving from set-pieces and counter-attacks, an extra physical presence in defence would certainly be needed.
Winger Dango Ouattara has won four penalties this season, and he has caused havoc getting in behind the opposition when they’ve looked vulnerable at the back.
Leeds beat Brentford 2-1 on the final day of the 2021-2022 season to secure Premier League survival in the most dramatic circumstances under Jesse Marsch.
While the away record doesn’t make for great reading, Tanaka’s inclusion in the starting lineup certainly gives the Peacocks the best chance of repeating their final day heroics in 2022, and a win would definitely boost their survival hopes under Farke this campaign.
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