Leeds United face a former fan favourite this week.
Picture the scene a moment: The final whistle blows on Tuesday night and Brentford have just beaten Leeds United.
Brentford star Pontus Jansson wheels away in celebration running towards the Bees fans, celebrating his side’s victory, while his former Leeds teammates lie collapsed on the turf after a third successive defeat.
Three losses in a row would be terrible for Leeds, but to lose in this scenario against Jansson’s Brentford would be a terrible look for them based on their decision to sell him last summer.
While Leeds have been going well without Jansson, the decision must be judged at the end of the season.
The Sweden international has not dropped out of the promotion race by joining the Bees, he’s right in the thick of it.
Brentford are two points behind Leeds, and can overtake them with a win this week.
Leeds have a poor record at Griffin Road and Brentford have won their last two games in a row.
You can never rule a Marcelo Bielsa side out, and Leeds will be determined to bounce back this week.
But if they do lose, this will come at the worst possible time.
Fans are already anxious, and seeing Jansson climb above them will sow further dissent.
The centre-back was unceremoniously ditched by Leeds last summer on the instruction of Bielsa.
Jansson has no ill will to Leeds as a club or the fans, but a win this week will mean so much to him and his Brentford side.
Bielsa and Leeds would really hate to see it. This won’t just be about one match, it would put their decisions last summer under the spotlight.
Just like the image of Bielsa crestfallen at Loftus Road last season summed up Leeds’ demise, seeing Jansson get one over on them could end up having a lasting effect.
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