Expect Farke to stick with his trusted 4-2-3-1, with Stach and Ampadu forming a double pivot that can screen the back four and launch quick transitions. The front four will buzz around the half-spaces, with Willy Gnonto — if fit — providing the spark from the left. But Gnonto is a doubt with a hamstring issue, and Gabriel Gudmundsson is also sidelined. That means Leeds may lean on their bench, but Farke's system is bigger than any one player. They will sit in a mid-block, invite Brentford to have the ball, then knife through the lines on the break. Elland Road will demand intensity, and Farke will deliver.

Brentford, under Andrews, will line up in their usual 4-3-3, with Mamadou Sangaré anchoring the midfield. He is a possession-regain machine — only a handful of players in Europe's top five leagues averaged more regains last season. That is a problem for Leeds if they try to play out from the back. But Brentford are missing Antoni Milambo and Sepp van den Berg, both injured, which weakens their spine. Janelt and Kayode will push forward, but that leaves gaps. The Bees will try to dominate the ball, but Leeds will be happy to let them have it and hit on the counter. The midfield dogfight will be brutal, and set pieces could decide it — both teams are dangerous from dead balls.