Brentford vs Leeds United
It all boils down to one match for Leeds United if they are to secure their Premier League status for another season as they’ll visit Brentford in the penultimate matchday of 2021/22.
The Whites barely have one foot outside of the relegation scrap as they’re sitting at 17th with 35 points – which is only one point over Burnley who have a game in hand.
Jesse Marsch’s men are in for a tough challenge as they’ll take on Brentford, who are in fine form lately, and the Bees overall have had a great campaign in their first year back at the English top-flight.
Here at SBOTOP, we are expecting another highly-competitive affair between these two sides since there’s so much on the line particularly for the visitors.
Talking Points
Brentford gunning for a Top 10 finish
The Bees’ first season back in the Premier League has been impressive since they’re about to achieve something similar to what their visitors have done last term.
A victory against Leeds United can put them to as high as ninth place. And whether they’ll be in the Top 10 or not, Brentford can give themselves a pat on the back for a job well done.
Thomas Frank’s cool and steely demeanor has been the key to their success, while the Premier League return of Christian Eriksen has been crucial too since he gives them another playmaker and a veteran leader.
The Dane has tallied one assist and four goals so far. And while those numbers are modest, Leeds United would be wise to try and take him out of his rhythm for this fixture.
There’s not much to complain here if you’re a Brentford fan. However, the only thing I’d have to nitpick is the inconsistency of Ivan Toney lately.
Toney is their leading scorer with 14 goals and six assists this term, but he has been scoreless since early April and he’ll be keen to get back on track to finish this season strong.
Can Leeds United overcome the odds?
Leeds United looked like they were edging nearer to relegation after Danny Welbeck’s first half goal to give Brighton the lead, but Pascal Struijk’s late header gave the Whites a sliver of hope.
Despite being winless since April 9, the Whites have built some semblance of momentum following the draw against the Seagulls, so they’re hopeful that Struijk’s leveller will indeed prove significant given the fine margins.
Unlike fellow relegation battlers Burnley and Everton, Leeds United have a week to prepare for the final matchday which should help in boosting their energy levels and calm their nerves.
Jesse Marsch is probably fielding in the same starting lineup vs. Brighton, with Raphinha, Rodrigo Moreno, Jack Harrison, and Joe Gelhardt leading their frontline, especially with Patrick Bamford likely out for the season.
It’s now or never for Leeds United, plain and simple. And they must do everything they can in order to avoid returning to the Championship come August.
History
Sunday marks the second English top-flight meeting between Brentford and Leeds United since 1947, where the Bees won 2-1 at Elland Road. Both clubs were relegated at the end of that campaign.
Their reverse fixture last December ended in a 2-2 draw as Patrick Bamford scored the late equaliser to save a point for the Whites. Tyler Roberts drew first blood, but Shandon Baptiste and Sergi Canos’ goals in the second half have given the Bees the lead up until Bamford’s goal happened.
The said match also was the first time that Brentford have conceded more than once in any of their last 15 league encounters with Leeds United during the 21st century.
Brentford have had better Premier League 2022 results heading into this contest with three wins, one loss, and one draw in their last five, whereas Leeds United have three losses and two draws in the same stretch.
Betting Tip
The Premier League 2022 odds have Brentford winning this game, but their margin of error is small. The Bees are priced at 2.31, while Leeds United are right behind them at 2.76 and a draw is installed at 3.30 in the 1X2 market.
With both sides capable of scoring in bunches, we expect more of the same as in their reverse fixture – making Over 2.75 @ 1.87 the likeliest outcome to bet on.
Leeds United are in a must-win situation since getting all three points here would boost their chances to extend their stay in the Premier League for one more season.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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