Leeds United vs Brentford: Farke's Bold 3-4-3 Formation

Elland Road expects noise, energy and, crucially, a third straight win. Leeds United welcome Brentford on Sunday with confidence restored after back-to-back victories over Nottingham Forest, and Daniel Farke looks ready to lean into that momentum rather than protect it.

He is set to stick with an aggressive 3-4-3, a shape that has given Leeds more bite in both boxes. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, fresh from leading the line with purpose, is again tipped to spearhead the attack in West Yorkshire.

Trafford Protected by a New-Look Back Three

James Trafford keeps his place in goal after his clean sheet last time out. He arrives in form and with a growing sense of authority behind a settled defensive unit.

In front of him, Farke is expected to go with a back three of Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Tarik Muharemovic. It’s a trio built for structure as much as aggression, tasked with holding a strong line while still being brave enough to squeeze the pitch and keep Brentford penned in.

On the bench, Nico Elvedi stands by as defensive cover, a reliable option if Farke needs fresh legs or a tactical tweak in the second half.

Engine Room Built to Control

The heart of this Leeds side will again run through the double pivot. Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu are set to anchor the midfield, charged with dictating tempo and setting the rhythm of the game from the centre of the park.

They will be asked to do a bit of everything: break up Brentford’s counters, recycle possession quickly and feed the wide players early to stretch the visitors’ back line.

Out wide, Jayden Bogle on the right and James Justin on the left will provide the width in the 3-4-3. Both wing-backs are expected to surge forward at every opportunity, offering overlapping runs and delivering into the box for Calvert-Lewin and the supporting forwards. Their work rate will be crucial; they must defend deep one minute and be in the final third the next.

Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff are likely to start on the bench, waiting for their chance to inject fresh energy or control if the midfield battle shifts after the break.

Aaronson and Wilson to Support Calvert-Lewin

Higher up the pitch, Leeds will look to hurt Brentford with movement and sharp combinations around the box.

Brenden Aaronson is set to start off the left, drifting inside to link play and press aggressively from the front. On the opposite flank, Harry Wilson will look to make an impact from the right, cutting in to threaten goal and deliver into dangerous areas.

At the tip of the system, Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line. His job is simple but demanding: occupy Brentford’s centre-backs, attack crosses, and turn half-chances into something more. If Leeds can get enough service into him, he has the tools to cause real problems.

From the bench, Noah Okafor and Daniel James offer pace and direct running for the final stages. Both could be key if Leeds are chasing a goal or hunting a late winner in the closing quarter of the match.

One notable absentee is Wilfried Gnonto, ruled out with a thigh injury and unavailable for this fixture.

Predicted Leeds United XI vs Brentford (3-4-3)

James Trafford; Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Tarik Muharemovic; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, James Justin; Harry Wilson, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Brenden Aaronson.

Elland Road has seen this club rise and fall on days like this. With form returning and a bold shape on the board, Sunday offers a clear test: can this Leeds side turn a promising run into a genuine surge up the table?