Leeds United-Brentford Preview

Rodrigo suffered a shoulder injury in Leeds United's draw with Everton on Tuesday, but Jesse Marsch is hopeful the striker will not be out for too long.

The Spain international went down clutching his left shoulder after a tussle with Jordan Pickford at Elland Road, and had to be taken off when it became apparent he had suffered a dislocation.

While Leeds' top scorer will be unavailable for several weeks, Marsch has confirmed ahead of Saturday's trip to Brentford that he is hoping to return in early October.

"An update on Rodrigo – when it pops out it's as good a case scenario as possible. That means it doesn't need surgery and that in three to four weeks, it can calm down," Marsch said. "Maybe it's longer, maybe it's shorter, we'll see. He feels good and confident he will be ready soon. We're targeting after international break.

"Everyone else is in training, except for Stuart Dallas."

Their 4-0 defeat of Manchester United aside, Brentford have made a steady start to their second season in the Premier League, and Thomas Frank is happy with the business his side managed to get done.

While Christian Eriksen did not stay at the club after his short-term deal ended, the Beeds bolstered their squad with the signings of Thomas Strakosha, Aaron Hickey, Keane Lewis-Potter, Ben Mee and Mikkel Damsgaard.

"It was a classic Brentford window," Frank said. "We got two free transfers and three young talents we are very pleased we have got. We are willing to take a gamble on young players."

Brentford – Vitaly Janelt

Janelt has been involved in Brentford's last two Premier League goals, scoring their equaliser against Everton, and assisting Yoane Wissa's leveller against Crystal Palace.

Leeds United – Jack Harrison

Harrison has enjoyed a fine start to the season, but was kept relatively under wraps against Everton. The winger scored a crucial goal for Leeds on the final day of last season at Brentford, however, with his strike securing a 2-1 win that kept the Whites up.

- Ivan Toney has scored 49 goals in 95 appearances for Brentford in all competitions, at least 32 more than any other player at the club since he joined in 2020. The last player to net 50 for the Bees was Clayton Donaldson (53 between 2011 and 2014).

- Leeds have won two of their last four league games in London (D1 L1), as many as they had in their previous 28 visits (D6 L20). The Whites are looking to win consecutive league games in the capital for the first time since beating Leyton Orient and Millwall in April 2008 in League One.

- Brentford have lost just one of their last seven home league games (W4 D2), although that was to Leeds on the final day of 2021-22 (1-2). The Bees have kept five clean sheets in those seven games, conceding just three goals.

- Brentford have scored in each of their last eight Premier League games – it's their longest scoring streak in the competition, and longest in the top-flight since a run of 24 between October 1938 and March 1939.

- After their game against Everton, Leeds had conceded more fouls than any other side in the Premier League this season (65). They have committed at least 10 fouls in each of their last 20 Premier League matches, the longest such run since Brighton did so in 23 consecutive games between August 2018 and January 2019.

Updated September 2, 2022