Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds are looking to return to the top of the table when they host Brentford on Wednesday evening, welcoming familiar face Pontus Jansson back to Elland Road.
There was a sense of Deja Vu for Leeds on Saturday when Wigan were reduced to ten men and Patrick Bamford put them one goal ahead at the DW Stadium.
The same thing happened in the final weeks of Leeds ill-fated chase for promotion last season, only for ten-man Wigan to spring a comeback, come away from Elland Road with three points and put a large dint in their hopes of reaching the Premier League. On this occasion, they showed growth by going on to win 2-0.
With a new season comes renewed hope, and Marcelo Bielsa's men have started well. Their performances in all three league games have been at a high level, taking seven points from a possible nine and dominating in terms of possession, shots, chances and expected goals against Bristol City (3-1), Nottingham Forest (1-1) and Wigan (2-0).
With hype behind Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah and a big price tag behind Helder Costa, Bielsa has stuck with the same team so far, unchanged in all three league games.
Bamford's led the line and has three goals to his name, supported by Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison in wide areas and Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw more centrally.
The forward and midfield positions should remain unchanged, but Bielsa announced that centre-half Liam Cooper and left-back options Gjanni Alioski and Barry Douglas all have niggles and could potentially be forced to sit out, meaning Gaetano Berardi or Jamie Shackleton may have to be brought in.
As for Brentford, the talking point will undoubtedly be about Swedish defender Jansson, who made the switch to the Bees after three years at Leeds.
It's been a mixed start for the club, who have won, drawn and lost in their three league games so far, with the opening day 1-0 defeat to Birmingham something of a freak result against the run of play.
Since then, it's been a 1-0 win away at Middlesbrough and a 1-1 draw with Hull. Ollie Watkins, converted into the team's primary goal threat after Neal Maupay left for Brighton, has scored both of their two goals in total so far.
Jansson will likely feature in a three-man defence, with a 4-3-4 system. Whilst they've only scored twice so far, they've also only conceded two in total.
We're recommending that you back a low-scoring encounter, given Brentford's record so far. Leeds have been impressive so far this season, and will back themselves for a narrow win in front of a packed out Elland Road.
*Prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Leeds United v Brentford
PaddyPower Pre-Match Odds: Leeds 4/7, Draw 3/1, Brentford 5/1
NEW PADDY POWER CUSTOMERS GET A £10 RISK FREE FIRST BET - MONEY BACK IN CASH IF IT LOSES!**
There was a sense of Deja Vu for Leeds on Saturday when Wigan were reduced to ten men and Patrick Bamford put them one goal ahead at the DW Stadium.
The same thing happened in the final weeks of Leeds ill-fated chase for promotion last season, only for ten-man Wigan to spring a comeback, come away from Elland Road with three points and put a large dint in their hopes of reaching the Premier League. On this occasion, they showed growth by going on to win 2-0.
With a new season comes renewed hope, and Marcelo Bielsa's men have started well. Their performances in all three league games have been at a high level, taking seven points from a possible nine and dominating in terms of possession, shots, chances and expected goals against Bristol City (3-1), Nottingham Forest (1-1) and Wigan (2-0).
With hype behind Arsenal loanee Eddie Nketiah and a big price tag behind Helder Costa, Bielsa has stuck with the same team so far, unchanged in all three league games.
Bamford's led the line and has three goals to his name, supported by Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison in wide areas and Mateusz Klich and Adam Forshaw more centrally.
The forward and midfield positions should remain unchanged, but Bielsa announced that centre-half Liam Cooper and left-back options Gjanni Alioski and Barry Douglas all have niggles and could potentially be forced to sit out, meaning Gaetano Berardi or Jamie Shackleton may have to be brought in.
As for Brentford, the talking point will undoubtedly be about Swedish defender Jansson, who made the switch to the Bees after three years at Leeds.
It's been a mixed start for the club, who have won, drawn and lost in their three league games so far, with the opening day 1-0 defeat to Birmingham something of a freak result against the run of play.
Since then, it's been a 1-0 win away at Middlesbrough and a 1-1 draw with Hull. Ollie Watkins, converted into the team's primary goal threat after Neal Maupay left for Brighton, has scored both of their two goals in total so far.
Jansson will likely feature in a three-man defence, with a 4-3-4 system. Whilst they've only scored twice so far, they've also only conceded two in total.
We're recommending that you back a low-scoring encounter, given Brentford's record so far. Leeds have been impressive so far this season, and will back themselves for a narrow win in front of a packed out Elland Road.
Recommendation
Leeds to win 1-0 – 13/2 with Bet365
*Prices correct at time of writing and are subject to change
**New customers only, limited to one per person. If you've previously had a Paddy Power account, you will not qualify for the offer. Place your FIRST bet on any Sportsbook market and it loses they will refund your stake in CASH. Max. refund for this offer is £10. T&Cs apply.
Head to Head Comparison
Leeds United - Last 5 Matches
Brentford - Last 5 Matches