Leeds United vs Brentford
Saturday 24 February
Elland Road, 3pm
Sky Bet Championship
The Opposition
Winless in 2018, it now looks a tall order for Leeds United to end their 14-year exile from English football's top flight. Five defeats in seven to begin 2018 saw Danish manager Thomas Christiansen depart Elland Road earlier this month with former Barnsley Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom the man to replace him.
A pair of 2-2 draws against Bristol City and Derby County have given Heckingbottom his first points as Leeds boss but The Whites go into tomorrow's game in 11th, eight points off the top six. United have conceded ten goals in their last three league outings at Elland Road and have won just six times in front of their own fans all season.
Team News
Paul Heckingbottom is sweating on the fitness of midfielder Pablo Hernandez after he limped off late on during Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Derby County. Heckingbottom has rated the Spaniard as doubtful while Luke Ayling, Tyler Roberts, and Conor Shaughnessy will all definitely miss out. However, he has been boosted with the return from suspension in recent weeks of Liam Cooper, Gaetano Berardi, and Samuel Saiz.
For The Bees, Sergi Canos is available after serving his three-game suspension. Nico Yennaris is a major doubt due to illness but other than him, and Rico Henry, Dean Smith has a fully-fit squad to choose from.
The Manager
Paul Heckingbottom took over at Elland Road earlier this month just four days after signing a new contract at previous club Barnsley. While with the Tykes, the 40-year-old established himself as one of the brightest young managers in England, gaining promotion via the Sky Bet League One Play-Offs as well as winning the EFL Trophy in 2016. That was Heckingbottom's third promotion from the third tier via the Play-Offs.
His first two came as a player with Sheffield Wednesday in 2005 and then a year later with Barnsley, the first of those at the expenses of Martin Allen's Bees. Those promotions were the high points in a 15 year playing career which also took in spells with Sunderland, Hartlepool United, Darlington, Norwich City, Bradford City, Mansfield Town and Gateshead.
Pre-Match Briefing
Dean Smith on contract extensions, recent form, and tomorrow's trip to Leeds United
Opposition View: Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post previews tomorrow's match
We Meet Again: Re-live our 3-1 victory over The Whites at Griffin Park in November
Ref Watch: Oliver Langford will take charge of tomorrow's meeting at Elland Road
Away Day Guide: How to get there, where to park, and what to do
Ticket News
Advanced sales for tomorrow's game end at 2pm this afternoon. There will be Pay on the Day from Elland Road on matchday, from the away ticket window located adjacent to the away turnstiles (entrance 1 & 2). This is also the same location for any collections or duplicates.
Please note, ticket prices increase by £5 on match day, with the exception of junior tickets. Click here to get your tickets in advance.
Betting Preview
Principal partners LeoVegas have a range of markets on tomorrow's game. Check out their wide range of markets here.
Match Coverage
iFollow Brentford will be live from 2.30pm tonight with Mark Burridge hosting Matchday Live alongside Simon Ratcliffe and Ciaran Brett.
Download the Official Brentford FC App to get notifications direct to your phone, plus all the latest news, views and reaction from the game. Visit the Play Store or iTunes App Store now to download.
