Leeds United have been handed another boost ahead of today’s crunch match with Brentford…
What’s the latest?
Jesse Marsch’s squad has already been bolstered by the likely return of Patrick Bamford, who is in line to feature in some form down in Hounslow this afternoon and now, it’s been confirmed that the Bees will be without three of their key stars.
Home boss Thomas Frank has ruled Zanka, Ethan Pinnock and Saman Ghoddos out with injury, whilst Frank Onyeka remains a doubt, as per the club’s official website.
Big boost
It remains to be seen just how many minutes Bamford can manage in the tank, given he has only played 100 minutes since early December but after a 17-goal feat last term, his return is a timely and much-needed lift.
Leeds have to better Burnley’s result this afternoon to keep their Premier League status for next term. There is a scenario where a 0-0 draw is enough but the Yorkshire giants cannot bank on that outcome.
Will Leeds be relegated today?
YES!
NO!
The fact that Brentford are light on numbers, in a game that means very little to them, is certainly positive for the Whites.
Pinnock had been one of their standout performers, ranking fourth in the squad for average WhoScored rating. His aerial presence, having won an average of 4.5 duels per game, will be a big miss. Not to mention his defensive ability after making 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game.
Zanka, also a centre-back, limits Frank’s options at the back, whilst Ghoddos has proven to be a solid substitute option managing 1.4 shots and one key pass per 90, also via WhoScored.
The trio will surely be a big miss for the west Londoners, so that’s something Leeds can look to capitalise on, even more so with Bamford back involved.
Marsch must be a little more confident heading into kickoff as he will want to see his side turn their fortunes around on the final day.
AND in other news, Marsch can save Leeds millions with 20 y/o “Duracell Bunny”, he’s “such an asset”…