Leeds United head to London on Sunday aiming to build on an impressive festive run, with Daniel Farke insisting his side are travelling to the Gtech Community Stadium with “high expectations” despite being underdogs. Leeds follow up their outstanding 3–1 win over Chelsea and a hard-fought draw against champions Liverpool with another stern test — Brentford away, a fixture that has tripped up several top Premier League sides this season.
Speaking ahead of the 4:30pm kick-off, Farke stressed that Leeds’ mentality must remain consistent regardless of opposition, venue or label.
Farke: Leeds must be at their very best
The Leeds manager emphasised the fine margins in Premier League matches and the need for complete focus.
“We always have high expectations against whoever we play. As a promoted side, you’re almost always the underdog. Each game is difficult — home or away — and we are always respectful.” — Daniel Farke
He added that Leeds have no room for complacency, particularly in tight matches where quality on the day determines everything.
“We know we have to be at our very best to give ourselves a chance to make something out of a tight game, and then also have a chance to travel back with points.”
Brentford’s home record a major concern
Farke did not attempt to downplay the difficulty of the upcoming challenge.
“Brentford have a fantastic home record. They’ve beaten more or less all the top sides recently. Don’t expect an easy game at all — it will be a very, very difficult challenge for us.”
Keith Andrews’ Brentford have turned their West London ground into one of the toughest away venues in the division, with even title challengers failing to take maximum points there.
Farke full of praise for Dominic Calvert-Lewin
A key figure in Leeds’ recent upturn has been summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose form has impressed both fans and manager. Farke was keen to highlight the striker’s pedigree.
“I’ve followed his career for years. He has delivered really good performances and scored many goals. It’s no coincidence he has more than 250 Premier League games and over 60 goals. This is why we were so desperate to sign him.”
Calvert-Lewin’s impact has been immediate — pressing aggressively, linking play and providing a focal point Leeds had badly missed. Farke described him not just as a top-level striker but as a key leader.
“He’s a fantastic striker, a fantastic human being, a fantastic teammate — for me, one of the best strikers in this league.”
Farke is striking the right tone
In our view, Daniel Farke high expectations Leeds Brentford message shows a leader trying to manage both ambition and realism. Although some newly promoted sides shrink in the face of difficult away fixtures, Farke is setting the expectation that Leeds belong at this level — and must perform like it.
From my experience covering promoted teams, this mentality shift is vital. Confidence grows from competing, not surviving. Leeds’ performances against Chelsea and Liverpool show they can unsettle bigger sides; the challenge now is to sustain that intensity.
A fair counterpoint: Brentford’s physicality and home form will test Leeds’ defensive concentration — an area that can fluctuate in high-pressure away matches.
Calvert-Lewin could be the difference
Leeds’ transformation in the final third since the arrival of Calvert-Lewin has been significant. His movement enables wide players to attack space, while his hold-up play relieves pressure. Against a disciplined Brentford side, his presence could be decisive.
Key Insights
- Farke says Leeds always travel with “high expectations.”
- Leeds arrive unbeaten in two after strong showings vs Chelsea and Liverpool.
- Brentford boast one of the Premier League’s toughest home records.
- Calvert-Lewin praised as “one of the best strikers in the league.”
- Farke insists Leeds must be at their best to leave with points.
What’s Next
Leeds face Brentford on Sunday at 4:30pm in London, aiming to continue their festive momentum. A positive result would strengthen belief that Farke’s side can do more than simply avoid relegation — they can compete.
👉 Leeds fans — how confident are you heading into Brentford away?
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