Leeds United will be able to select Kalvin Phillips again after he missed their last Championship clash.
With Leeds currently going through a terrible run of form where they have looked almost completely bereft of confidence, a tricky trip to Brentford at the weekend is probably one fixture that Thomas Christiansen would have preferred not to have going into the international break – though it is, admittedly, almost impossible to find a good fixture in the Championship.
The Bees played Leeds off the park at Griffin Park last term as Leeds’ play-off bid began to unravel at a point where it seemed almost in the bag.
The Whites lacked fight on that occasion, and they have appeared to have lacked that aggression in recent weeks also, so having Kalvin Phillips back, and with a clean slate behind him should be a massive boost.
Phillips missed the clash with Derby due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card in the previous game, and the team arguably missed the 21-year-old’s combative nature in the middle of the park.
Eunan O’Kane and Ronaldo Vieira are amongst the Championship’s best central midfielders on their day, but Phillips provides that little bit of extra edge that does get him in trouble, but can also inspire the rest of the side when he gets it right.
Therefore, having Phillips back and with no threat of suspension looming over him – unless, of course, he gets sent off – is arguably a major boost for Christiansen’s side – and it must not be forgotten that his return means that Leeds have their joint top goalscorer back also.
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