It's another huge weekend for the teams at the foot of the Premier League and whilst I'm sure that come the end of May we'll be saying goodbye to Wolves and Burnley, the final spot could go to Leeds, Spurs, Forest and the Hammers. Obviously, Leeds will be staying up but it would be really nice to see three points on the board after a Saturday night game under the lights at Elland Road against Brentford., especially as it would leave us 6 clear of the relegation zone, until Sunday at least!
Yesterday was the pre-match presser when Daniel Farke talked to the press and discussed injuries, suspensions and had a generally positive outlook on his side's chances in the upcoming game.
The big news, though of course, is the suspension of our talismanic left back, Gabriel Gudmundsson after his ridiculous red card on Sunday for only his second foul of the game. It wasn't even a yellow card offense! Gabriel has arguably been our best signing of the year and he will be missed. At the presser, Farke suggested that Justin James was a natural replacement for Gudmundsson, but personally, I'm not so sure. James has been a bit of a mixed bag since we signed him from Leicester for £8m. Either way, it seems the right-back will be playing Left-back on Saturday night so judgment is reserved! The only positive to take from the sending off was that it was only our first sending off of the season. Only Arsenal have a better record not having anyone sent off.....yet!
The good news, at least, is that Leeds are in the rare position of having no further injury problems and another of our summer signings, Noah Okafor, is back in training and available for Saturday. Okafar has shown glimpses of his huge potential without performing consistently, but his pace is electric and I'd love to see him kick on as, moving forward, I think he could form an unbeatable left wing partnership with Gudmundsson.
Despite missing the last 4 games with a hamstring injury, Farke is confident that the former AC Milan, Swiss international could still have a part to play in this must-win encounter.
Farke also suggested that Leeds need 6 to 8 points from the remaining 8 fixtures to ensure their survival. I absolutely hate it when managers aim for a points tally. As a fan, I want 24 points from the remaining 8 fixtures! It's been touted all over the internet that Leeds have, by far, the 'easiest' run in of games but again, there are no easy games in the Premier League and I, for one, will continue to nip my cheeks until we're mathematically safe from the drop.
Farke also reported that our giant midfielder and free-kick specialist, Anton Stach, has been called up by the German national side for their two friendly games against Switzerland and Ghana in what will be the final international break of the season. (Thank god!). International breaks so close to the end of the season are a nightmare with so much to play for, and the risk of injury to key players leaves me holding my breath until it's all over. The most worrying though, is the Wales game, which is a qualifying play-off for the World Cup and will no doubt feature our incredible captain and number 4, Ethan Ampadu. Losing him would be a huge blow so it will be a dreadfully tense 90 minutes during what will surely be a real blood and thunder match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place in the World Cup finals that take place later this year.
As for Brentford, they come into this game on the back of three draws in a row, two of them away and the most recent at home against bottom of the table, Wolves who seem to be finally putting up a bit of a fight, albeit far too little, far too late. They still sit in a very respectable 7th position in the league on 45 points and although it's a very winnable game, it's going to be a tough one. I am particularly wary of Brazilian, Igor Thiago, who is second, only to Haaland in the scoring table with a very good tally of 19 Premier League Goals. Strujik is going to need to be at the top of his game to stop him in his tracks.
Who can forget though, the drama of the final day of the season in 2022 when Leeds beat Brentford away to retain their Premier League status? I'll take some more of that spirit on Saturday night, please.
My Prediction?
Obviously Leeds are going to win so I'm calling it 3-1 to Leeds. I'm also going to add a 'prediction' with a 100 medal wager to put my money where my mouth is! I hope everyone gets in on the action because it always gives a game a little extra spice when you've got skin in it!