Leeds United

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image source, PA Media

The ball bobbled up and on to Jayden Bogle's hand. Surrounded by Chelsea players, he kept fighting and in the middle of the ensuing melee, Noah Okafor pounced for a tap-in.

That moment of chaos at Stamford Bridge back on a Tuesday night in early February was Leeds' most recent goal from open play in the Premier League.

Their most recent goal of any kind in the league came at Villa Park a little over a month ago, when Anton Stach's speculative blast from 35 yards sailed past Aston Villa's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

In the 419 minutes of football since Stach's goal, Leeds have had 64 shots, racked up 5.43 expected goals and had 117 touches in the opponent's box - and failed to score.

If you are looking for mitigation, the four opponents over this barren run all rank in the top half of the league for fewest goals conceded - Manchester City (second), Sunderland (fifth), Crystal Palace (third) and Brentford (ninth).

Structurally, Daniel Farke has the team well drilled out of possession making them tough to beat - only Bournemouth (15) have drawn more games than Leeds' 12.

It is good to be solid at the back but where are Leeds' goals coming from?

A lack of quality chance creation and free-flowing build-up play have been issues that have forced United to overly rely on set-pieces for goals.

The spread of assists across the team points to a lack of a recognised playmaker. The left side of defence has offered zero attacking output.

Leeds have regularly played midfielders in their front three, while in tight games you need quality off the bench to make a difference and they have not had it.

They may be able to draw their way to safety but Leeds' Premier League status is in the balance if they cannot find a way to score more goals.

Put yourself in Farke's shoes... how would you solve the problem of a lack of goals for Leeds?

Let us know here

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Leeds midfielder Ao Tanaka is wanted by German clubs Schalke and Hannover. (Teamtalk), external

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A new episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has landed.

After a boring stalemate with Brentford left Leeds United a point better off than two of their relegation rivals with seven games to play. Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix pick over the carcass of a game best forgotten.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Leeds and Brentford.

Here are some of your comments:

Leeds fans

Paul: Leeds played as if they are frightened of losing rather than trying to win. They looked a different side after the late changes. Be brave!

Andrew: A good point against a team in form competing for a top-six place. However, being draw specialists might not be enough. We need to find our mojo again. We aren't playing with the dynamic we are capable of and not creating enough chances as a result.

Chris: Good point in the end - they are a good side pushing for a European place and have good players. The teams cancelled each other out on the day. Poor game for both set of fans.

David: A hard-fought point against a well-organised and dangerous top-eight side. Going into the international break outside the bottom three is good and takes the pressure off. Hopefully in the final run-in we will see more of Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto and Noah Okafor, especially in the home games, to create more goals and keep us in the Premier League.

Brentford fans

Zachary: Felt we set up for a draw. While fans don't want to see that, it is probably a good point considering how thin our squad is right now, particularly at right-back and in midfield. I do also think fatigue is getting to the players, with Ethan Pinnock and Keane Lewis-Potter cramping up near the end. That's concerning with a very limited selection of first-team players on the bench. Can't fault the lads for effort, though.

Jane: It wasn't a great watch. A missed opportunity? Yes, but at this stage of the season it's tough for teams with fewer resources as the injuries hit, and the bench features very few players who can change a game. It's going to be tough for the Bees to stay in seventh.

Gavin: A masterclass in defending against a decent opposition who were trying hard to win the game. With the additional injuries to Mikkel Damsgaard and Kristoffer Ajer, I wasn't surprised by the shape, and great to see Pinnock not putting a foot wrong. It's definitely a point gained, in previous seasons with the injury woes they would have lost this game. With the remaining away games against Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool on the last day, three defeats is not unlikely. However, who knows with this team under Keith Andrews.

Ian: A well-deserved point. The closing down of space by the Brentford team was immense. Time for a recharge of the 'league' batteries for the final seven games.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Everton 3-0 Chelsea

• Fulham 3-1 Burnley

Leeds manager Daniel Farke, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the goalless draw with Brentford: "After a draw we are not dancing tonight, but also there were many positives to take. You can see why Brentford are seventh and fighting for Europe.

"They have offensive players on the pitch in red-hot form, really good defensive behaviour and we asked many questions, but the composure around the box was missing, anticipation and imagination was missing. It was also important to be rock solid at the back and it is a third clean sheet in a row.

"We would prefer to score in every game but we also have to praise the defence of Brentford. We know we have goals in us but we are also not a team that cuts opponents to pieces. We are a newly promoted side and we have to make tight games out of it, and bring out mentality and fitness levels in. I am pretty optimistic we will add goals over the next few weeks.

"The crunch time starts after the last international break and you can focus on the league. We need to win five to seven points to stay in this league. We also have the game at Manchester United where we can win points. We have proven it is doable. If we don't do it we probably don't deserve to play in this league next year. We know we have it in us and I back my lads to do this."

Did you know?

• Leeds remain winless in their last six Premier League games (D4 L2), failing to score in four successive top-flight matches for the first time since February/March 2022.

• Leeds won back possession seven times in the final third this evening, only against Chelsea in December (8) have they done so more often in a Premier League game this season.

You can listen to more from Farke on BBC Sounds

Ben Ramsdale
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds' lack of bite in front of goal was highlighted once again.

It marked the fourth consecutive Premier League game that the Whites have failed to find the net.

Daniel Farke's side are without a goal in the top flight since mid-February and it was clear to see why at Elland Road.

It was not for the want of trying, but Leeds simply lacked the spark, though the same could have been said for their opponents.

They won back possession seven times in the final third, their second highest tally of the season, but still were unable to create anything clear-cut.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, recalled to the England squad on Friday, was anonymous but had nothing to work with.

It was hard to judge his performance because he was never presented with a chance to take.

Despite the negatives, it is another point for Farke's men on their quest for survival but, with the bottom six being so congested, you would have to think that sooner rather than later, that spark will need igniting.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Leeds' performance

What did you make of Brentford's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has made just one change from the side that drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace last time out.

Jayden Bogle comes into the eleven in place of Gabriel Gudmundsson, who was sent off in the draw at Selhurst Park.

Leeds XI: Darlow, Justin, Bogle, Struijk, Rodon, Bijol, Ampadu, Stach, Aaronson, Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin

Subs: Perri, Bornauw, Gruev, Longstaff, Tanaka, Gnonto, James, Oakfor, Piroe

Brentford boss Keith Andrews makes two changes to the side that were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom club Wolves.

Ethan Pinnock and Yehor Yarmolyuk come in from the off with Dango Ouattara dropping to the bench.

Mikkel Damsgaard misses out through injury.

Brentford XI: Kelleher, Kayode, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg, Henderson, Jensen, Yarmolyuk, Schade, Thiago, Lewis-Potter

Subs: Valdimarsson, Nelson, Ouattara, Donovan, Furo, Bentt, Shield, Stephenson, McManus

There are four games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brighton v Liverpool (12:30)

• Fulham v Burnley (15:00) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Everton v Chelsea (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Leeds v Brentford (20:00)

Kick-off times GMT

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Burnley" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Chelsea".

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

The way Brentford will set up is almost tailor-made to face Leeds, really, to hit them on the counter-attack.

Keith Andrews's side are pushing for Europe and they will be annoyed they let a 2-0 lead slip in their 2-2 draw with Wolves on Monday.

There could be some nervy moments for the home fans when the Bees break forward, but I am still going to back Leeds to get the job done at Elland Road.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United's incredible home record under the lights at Elland Road may have come to an end last month but they'll be looking to start afresh with the visit of European hopefuls Brentford on Saturday night (20:00 GMT).

Prior to the 1-0 defeat against Manchester City on 28 February, the Whites had gone 25 home games unbeaten in matches that kicked off at 17:00 or later.

A five-match winless streak in the league has left them 15th in the table, a mere three points above the drop zone with eight games to go.

Whites drawing blanks

They've failed to score in their last three, a record compounded by top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin missing a penalty against Crystal Palace last week. He's without a goal in his last five in all competitions.

The striker has earned an England recall for his overall form this season, but Leeds are really suffering now that his December hot streak – which included the equaliser in a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium – has tailed off.

Per 90 minutes, he performed better in almost every attacking metric before the turn of the year.

The last player to find the net in the league for Daniel Farke's side was the manager's compatriot, Anton Stach, who has similarly been rewarded for his displays this season with a first Germany call-up in four years.

Stach has three league assists to his name and no player in the division has created more chances from set-plays this season than the Leeds midfielder (27, level with Bruno Fernandes).

League positions aside, recent history suggests Leeds have cause for optimism going into this one. They've lost just one of their last 16 home league games against Brentford, winning seven and drawing eight, and are unbeaten in seven since a 1-0 loss in February 2015.

Keith keeping calm

Seventh-placed Brentford's solid showings since the start of February – just one defeat in seven league games – have kept them firmly in the hunt for a maiden European adventure.

A significant turnaround in their away form has helped that cause massively. Keith Andrews' side lost seven of their first eight away Premier League games this season, tasting victory just once, but have now won five of their last seven on the road.

Reflecting on throwing away a two-goal lead against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, Andrews said: "I think it's really simple. If we produce a second-half performance again, we will struggle. If we produce first-half performances of that level, then we will have a good end to the season."

One of his goalscorers against Wolves, Igor Thiago, is enjoying the best league campaign of his career, netting 19 Premier League goals to date. He could become just the third Bees player to score 20 in a top-flight season, along with Ivan Toney in 2022-23 and Bryan Mbeumo in 2024-25.

The centre-forward's brilliant return has landed him a first call-up to the Brazil national team, while Jordan Henderson – who scored Brentford's goal in December's draw between the two clubs – retains his spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.

Four of the last six league games between these sides have ended in draws, with one win apiece, but those Bees fans making the trip from west London to West Yorkshire will do so in a positive frame of mind.

Brentford have lost just one of their last 13 league games against newly promoted opponents, winning 11 and drawing the other.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope says Saturday night's visit from Brentford will feel like "a real occasion" at Elland Road.

The Whites' home form, especially under the lights, has been key to their survival bid but after welcoming the Bees they will have just three home games remaining.

"I don't think Daniel Farke is underestimating Brentford," he told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

"I think people have got over their surprise at them doing so well having had the guts of the team and the manager ripped out of them.

"They are seventh. They let a 2-0 lead slip against Wolves but have had a few injury problems but are an impressive team.

"It is at Elland Road, we play before everybody else, it'll be a big night there and it will feel like a real occasion.

"I think that's a lot for any team to contend with and that's why I feel Leeds can do this.

"If they pick up two points from the Palace game and this one I don't feel think it's a disaster at all. But, I do think putting the Elland Road uniqueness into the mix might just edge it Leeds' way."

Listen to the full episode

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Image source, Getty Images

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's England recall is testament to the striker's self-belief and desire to emerge from the dark times of seasons when he struggled with injury.

When he spoke of renewed England ambitions after completing a free transfer from Everton to Leeds United in the summer, eyebrows were raised at both his optimism and whether Thomas Tuchel would ever seriously feel the need to call on him.

Now, Calvert-Lewin's rejuvenation and continued fitness at Elland Road has prompted a return for the 29-year-old, who won 11 caps and made his last appearance in July 2021 when he played 17 minutes off the bench against Ukraine at the delayed Euros.

Calvert-Lewin deserves huge credit for his persistence - but his call-up also underscores a huge concern for England and Tuchel.

That worry is the massive drop-off in proven quality at international level should any misfortune befall England captain and record goalscorer Harry Kane.

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins was long considered the deputy, scoring the winner in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, but his patchy club form means he is not even included in this squad.

Tottenham Hotspur's Dominic Solanke is the other striker, making his way back this season after several months on the sidelines with an ankle problem.

Marcus Rashford could fill the role but is now used in the wider positions, while Anthony Gordon has played through the centre for Newcastle United without ever looking a neat fit.

This demonstrates the alternatives to Kane - aged 32 but still in magnificent form for Bayern Munich - are worryingly thin for Tuchel and England.

Calvert-Lewin's inclusion is a heart-warming redemption tale, but Tuchel and England supporters must pray nothing happens to Kane, who has scored 78 goals in 112 appearances, or their World Cup hopes could be wrecked.

Read more on Tuchel's England squad here

There are just eight games remaining in the 2025-26 campaign and four of those are at home for Leeds United.

Up next are Brentford, who visit Elland Road on Saturday evening before the intentional break.

And it's that game that Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix preview on the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 35-man squad for the two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion).

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan).

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur).

There are 13 players involved who weren't in the last squad back in November, while there's a first senior call-up for Everton midfielder James Garner and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.

Image source, Getty Images

Anton Stach says Leeds boss Daniel Farke has been a "a big big help" in him earning a recall to the Germany squad for the forthcoming international break.

Stach has become a key part of Farke's midfield this season after his summer move from Hoffenheim, scoring four goals and providing three assists, but has not featured for the national team since 2022.

"It was a surprise because my last call-up was four years ago, but I was hard-working for this season and the last season so it's a very good feeling," Stach told BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope.

"I do not like to speculate, I try to stay with myself and work on my weaknesses to strengthen my strengths. I did this and tried to focus on my game and the rest is not my decision."

In his pre-Brentford news conference on Thursday, Farke said Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann will get "a top-class character and guy" and that Stach's call-up is "well deserved".

When asked how much credit Farke deserves for his impressive performances, Stach said: "I have to thank him a lot because he trusts in me, he puts me on the pitch so I can show my abilities and it is also the way he is coaching me. I have to be very thankful and I have to go into his office and say 'thank you'!

"I've gained more experience and on a different level, because in the Premier League there are many of the best players in the world. It is good to compete with them and I want to show my abilities in driving the ball, my passing, the strengths in duels. There is still a big space to improve but I think I am on a good way. "

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds

In this week's edition of the Football Interview, Kelly Somers speaks to Brighton midfielder James Milner.

They discuss his journey from joining the Leeds academy to breaking the appearance record in the Premier League at the age of 40.

He talks about the best managers he's played under as well as the highs and lows of his Premier League career which started way back in 2002.

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Brentford at Elland Road (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Noah Okafor is available for selection after returning to training earlier this week.

• Farke said James Justin is "a natural replacement" for Gabriel Gudmundsson, who is suspended for this game, but there are also "other options" within the squad.

• On whether he or the club have received an apology for Gudmundsson's dismissal at Crystal Palace last Sunday: "Personally not, but I also haven't checked as it doesn't make much of a difference. Even an apology wouldn't help us. He's out and we have to cope with the situation."

• Farke said "there's still work to do" to secure Premier League survival, with him estimating they need "six to eight points" from the remaining eight games. He added: "I am pretty sure we will prove that we deserve to stay in this league."

• On opponents Brentford: "They have many threats and [Igor] Thiago is in red-hot form. A really strong midfield, they are physical and their centre-backs can score too. It will be a difficult game. We need a pretty complex performance like always."

• Farke said Anton Stach being called up for the German national team "is well deserved as he has delivered goals and assists" this season for Leeds. He added: "If you play with this quality and consistency in the best league in the world then you have the chance to get a call-up. Julian [Nagelsmann] will get a top-class character and guy. I hope he [Stach] can grab this chance with both hands."

Hit play above to hear more from Farke or listen on BBC Sounds here

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Got a question about Leeds? Get in touch here and we'll put it to our experts

Image source, Getty Images

We are getting to the stage of the season where every Premier League team is managing injuries in their squad as the sheer volume and intensity of games begins to take its toll.

But who has been most affected by injuries across the campaign so far?

Ben Dinnery, from Premier Injuries Limited, has provided the data below, showing the number of domestic injuries each top-flight team has suffered, defined by a player missing at least one Premier League game.

The data has been taken from the opening weekend up to and including 18 March.

Despite this table listing domestic injuries, it is unsurprising that the top three of Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all competed in European competition, with the Gunners still fighting on four fronts and the Blues also coming off the back of a much-shortened pre-season following their Club World Cup victory.

Perhaps more surprisingly, however, is the fact Arsenal's 31 domestic injuries so far comfortably leads the way, illustrating the strength and depth available to Mikel Arteta to still have his side nine points clear at the top of the table.

The graphic below shows Tottenham lead the way for days missed by injured players, illustrating the issues faced by Thomas Frank, who had to cope with long-term absentees including Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Both West Ham and Brentford are in the bottom three for domestic injuries and days missed through those injuries, while Arsenal and Villa are in the top three for both.

Chelsea drop down the table when looking at days missed, showing they have predominately suffered from short absences spread throughout the squad.

It is worth pointing out that Newcastle's two longest absences this season - Emil Krafth (120 days) and Yoane Wissa (88 days), who had not yet even trained with his new side, resulted from injuries picked up on international duty and are not factored into the figures.

Image source, Getty Images

With Opta's supercomputer predictions suggesting it could be four teams fighting to avoid one relegation spot as we head into the final eight games of the season, we asked you who you think will be the one to go down (with Burnley and Wolves).

At the time of writing, Nottingham Forest - who Opta say have a 32% chance of finishing 18th - are the ones fans think are mostly likely to be in the Championship next season.

Here is a breakdown of the results so far:

• Leeds United - 8%

• Tottenham - 30%

• Nottingham Forest - 45%

• West Ham - 17%

Add your selection here