Leeds’ new duo braced for stern Brentford test as Elland Road at full capacity amid 20-goal surge | OneFootball

Leeds United launch their Elland Road campaign at full capacity on Sunday, with Brentford arriving on a 20-goal run. New signings James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic could face their sternest test yet.

According to Leeds Live, the West Stand was closed in pre-season during expansion work, prompting an away opener, but it will stay open all season. Entry may look different and the dugouts now have modern seats.

Two wins over Nottingham Forest in league and cup bring momentum, though expectation should be tempered. Brentford’s form points to a far stiffer test.

They beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 on the opening day, then routed Birmingham City 6-1 in the League Cup in midweek, and also hit seven past Frankfurt and four past Rennes in pre-season. Keith Andrews appears to have them well drilled, and Daniel Farke has described them as bulldozers, with Igor Thiago the focal point but threats across the pitch.

Farke has often warned the second year after promotion will be hard. Leeds will be favourites at times, but it is unclear if Sunday is one of them.

Supporters may see Trafford, Muharemovic, Harry Wilson and possibly Nico Elvedi make competitive home debuts. For Elvedi, it would be a first Elland Road matchday.

Noah Okafor made his first start on Tuesday after a late return from Switzerland’s quarter-final run and needed minutes. His inclusion may also inform the final days of the window, with a left winger ideal, though other areas likely take priority.

Trafford has three clean sheets including pre-season, but that sequence is at risk against potent opponents. Muharemovic has impressed, yet may come under greater pressure. How the pair cope could be a useful barometer of a new-look defence.

Source: Leeds Live

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