Leeds United supporters have been particularly downbeat in the Transfer Tavern this week after seeing their side lose back-to-back home Championship matches at the hands of Sheffield United and Derby County to slip outside the division’s play-off places.

Thomas Christiansen’s men went into the two aforementioned clashes having beaten Bristol City 3-0 at Ashton Gate to suggest that they were getting back into their early-season stride, a stride which saw them top the Championship back in September. However, they were unable to build on that impressive win as Chris Wilder’s Blades secured a 2-1 victory at Elland Road last Friday, before Gary Rowett’s Derby then won by the same scoreline just five days later to consign the Whites to a sixth defeat of the campaign, all of which have come in their last eight matches.

Thus, several of our resident Leeds fans have been despondent in the Tavern this week, but attentions are turning to their crucial clash with Dean Smith’s resurgent Brentford at Griffin Park on Saturday, their final clash before the international break.

The Bees made a slow start to the new season but are embarking on an eight-match unbeaten run, during which they have beaten the likes of Preston North End and Birmingham City to move up to 15th in the division, and just four points behind Christiansen’s Leeds.

And as a result of their recent run of poor form, this is a huge game for the Yorkshire giants, but given they have suffered back-to-back league defeats, here are TWO stars who must be recalled by Christiansen against the Bees on Saturday…

Gaetano Berardi

The usually dependable Luke Ayling has endured a testing few weeks at right-back, with many of the goals Leeds have conceded in the last few matches coming down their right-hand-side

Thus, the 26-year-old may need to be taken out of the firing line and given a much-needed rest this weekend, but fortunately for Christiansen he can now call upon fellow defender Gaetano Berardi, who is available against Brentford following a recent two-match suspension.

The 29-year-old has mainly deputised at left-back this term, but given Ayling’s recent struggles for form, he could well get the nod at his favoured right-back position against the Bees.

Pablo Hernandez

For much of last season, it was Pablo Hernandez who made Leeds click in the attacking midfield positions, with six goals and eight assists underlining his influence.

However, the former Swansea City man has failed to start any of their last three Championship matches and only came off the bench in the last two, but given that summer signing Ezgjan Alioski has been struggling for form recently, the Spaniard should return to the starting eleven at Griffin Park.

Playing him alongside Samuel Saiz, who has been excellent since his arrival from Huesca during the close season, in either a midfield two behind the striker or indeed a three along the front could seriously benefit Leeds, as they go in search of a much-needed three points prior to the international break.