Leeds United backed to end barren run soon by rival boss

Smith said he was anxious to avoid becoming Heckingbottom’s first victim following United’s narrow failure to claims wins from their last two games against Bristol City and Derby County.

United struck the crossbar with the final chance of a 2-2 draw with Bristol City and were held to the same scoreline at Pride Park on Wednesday night after Derby equalised in the 92nd minute.

Heckingbottom, who took charge of Leeds following Thomas Christiansen’s sacking earlier this month, will look to end his wait for a victory at the fourth attempt when Brentford come to Yorkshire.

Leeds and Brentford both have an outside chance of making the play-offs, with the West London club four points short of sixth and one place and four points better off than Heckingbottom’s side.

Smith watched his team claim a deserved 3-1 win over Christiansen’s Leeds at Griffin Park in November but he warned Brentford not to underestimate United, despite Leeds’ run of nine league games without a win.

Smith told Brentford’s official website: “Thomas Christiansen lost his job and Paul Heckingbottom has gone in. He’s been close to the three points in the last two games. I’ve watched both the games.

“They’re not far away from that elusive victory and they need to change it around quickly but we need to make sure that it’s not us who gives them that first victory.”

Brentford are likely to be without midfielder Nico Yennaris through injury but winnger Sergi Canos is returning from suspension.