Brentford vs Leeds United
Saturday 04 April Griffin Park Sky Bet Championship Kick-off: 7.45pm
The Opponents
Just once in the 13 years since they dropped out of the Premier League have Leeds United contested the end of season Play-Offs but, barring a late collapse, the signs look good that this season may give The Whites their first chance in a decade to return to the top flight. With seven games to play, Leeds sit fifth in the table and have a six point gap separating them from local rivals Sheffield Wednesday in seventh. However, with Preston North End, Newcastle United, and Norwich City to come after tonight's trip to Griffin Park, where they haven't won in seven stretching back to 1950, Garry Monk's side can't afford too many results like Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Reading if they want to make the Play-Offs.
In Chris Wood, The Whites have the Sky Bet Championship's top scorer with 24 goals but it is at the other end that Leeds have been even more impressive this season. Only Brighton and Hove Albion and Newcastle United have conceded fewer goals than Leeds and they go into tonight's game having conceded just five times since early February. They may be forced into a reshuffle defensively tonight with Pontus Jansson struggling with a hamstring problem but Luke Ayling will return after a two game suspension.
The Gaffer
Garry Monk is in his third year as a professional manager and first at Leeds United after he left Swansea City last season. The 38-year-old saved his former club from relegation and got them to the Round of 32 in the Europa League when he took over from Michael Laudrup in 2014. The following year he led his side to league doubles over both Arsenal and Manchester United as they finished eighth and Monk was awarded a new contract. Last season, after a run of one win in 11 games, he left Swansea after spending more than 12 years of his career with the Welsh club.
As a player he began his career with Torquay United before moving on to Southampton in 1996. He had spells with Stockport County, Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday on loan and eventually joined Barnsley on a permanent deal. The centre-back made just three appearances for The Tykes and left on a free at the end of the campaign. He joined League Two side Swansea City in 2004 and went on to play in every division for them until they reached the top flight in 2011, making the majority of his later appearances as captain.
Pre-Match Views
Dean Smith: "We know that it is going to be a tough game but it is one that we are relishing”
Sergi Canos believes the team head into tonight's game full of confidence
The Match Officials
Referee: David Coote Assistant Referee: Nick Hopton and Adam Matthews Fourth Official: Trevor Kettle
Ticket News
Tickets for tonight's match will be on sale to Previous Purchasers right up to kick-off starting at £30 adults, £24 seniors, £22 young persons, and £8 Juniors. Click here for more information and to buy.
Travel News
The Brook Road South Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) has now been extended to include the Green Dragon Estate, Clayponds Lane, and surrounding areas from the Ealing Road to High Street. As with the other parking restrictions around Griffin Park these will be in force from 10am to 11am and 7pm to 8pm Monday to Friday and between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday matchdays. For more information please check the
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Match Betting
Brentford 7/5 Leeds 39/20 Draw 9/4
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Match Coverage
You can hear live match commentary on Bees Player from 7.15pm tonight, with Mark Burridge, Sam Saunders, and Alan Denman.
There will be live match updates on Twitter from 6.30pm.
Download the new Brentford FC app on android and iPhone and get all the coverage from Griffin Park in one place. Download for free here.