Leeds v Brentford confirmed team news: Anthony and Damsgaard start, Diouf on bench

Brentford FC confirmed that Jaidon Anthony and Mikkel Damsgaard start against Leeds, with Diouf beginning on the substitutes' bench for this high-stakes encounter. From a data-driven perspective at predict.game, Damsgaard's inclusion in Thomas Frank’s flexible tactical system provides crucial central creativity, particularly required given the ongoing rehabilitation of full-backs Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey. Currently sitting 9th in the Premier League table with an alternating WLWLW form record (5 goals scored, 4 conceded), Brentford's underlying performance metrics demonstrate a solid baseline. The Bees generate an average of 1.6 xG per game while limiting opponents to 1.4 xGA per game. Damsgaard’s technical range combined with Anthony’s directness on the wing gives Frank the tactical versatility to transition between a standard 4-3-3 and a mid-block 3-5-2, optimizing their elite set-piece delivery and long-throw routines. Without Henry and Hickey, Brentford’s defensive ceiling remains slightly compromised on the flanks, but the presence of Damsgaard in midfield helps maintain ball retention and reduces counter-attacking exposure. Predict.game’s simulation models indicate that starting both Damsgaard and Anthony elevates Brentford’s expected goal creation in transition opportunities. While Leeds will test their altered backline, Brentford's consistent 1.6 xG output suggests they retain a high probability of finding the net, maintaining their status as a dangerous away side despite recent form inconsistency.