Josh McEachran: Leeds United trip will be clash of ‘great footballing’ sides that Brentford relish

The midfielder netted his first ever goal in senior football during the Bees’ 1-1 draw with Birmingham in midweek

Josh McEachran (Getty)

Brentford are eager for the chance to rectify their away form against Leeds United on Saturday, claims Josh McEachran.

The midfielder hinted that the West London side won’t be holding back on their trip to Elland Road in a battle between “two great footballing teams” that was selected for the televised early kick-off.

Sitting in the playoff places 11 games into the season, Brentford are without a win on the road so far in the Championship. Instead, they’ve been relying on their unbeaten run at home for the bulk of their points.

McEachran netted his first ever goal in senior football during the Bees’ 1-1 draw with Birmingham on Tuesday night. Speaking after the game, he insisted their visit to the league leaders this weekend is one the team are looking forward to, and that they won’t be holding back in search of their first away win of the season.

“What a game to do it,” said the 25-year-old. “I think with ourselves and Leeds, everyone’s talking about how good footballing sides we are. So they’re definitely not going to sit off us and it’s going to be a good open game. Two great footballing teams playing against each other – we’re definitely looking forward to that, and obviously we’re going there to win.”

Despite the delight of finally getting onto the scoresheet, which came via a powerful free-kick, the former Chelsea youngster’s celebrations were more subdued come the final whistle. His side have made their ambitions to challenge for promotion this season clear and weren’t able to snatch an important victory over 10-man Birmingham.

Josh McEachran, centre, celebrates his goal from a free-kick (Getty Images)

“You see the game we had complete control,” said McEachran. “Obviously on a personal note I’m pleased to get that goal. It came at a crucial time because we’ve come from behind. But it’s not about that, it’s about the team and picking up points because we want to get promoted, so I definitely think it’s two points dropped.”

In the last few days Brentford boss Dean Smith has been heavily linked with the hot seat at Aston Villa vacated by Steve Bruce. But ahead of the Leeds clash, the manager says he has “no plans” of leaving Griffin Park.

“There’s going to be speculation about many people,” he said at the pre-match press conference. “They put two and two together and come up with five. My job is Brentford and that’s all I am interested in.

“I’ve said it many times; this is a fantastic job and I enjoy it here. There’s nothing that has made me change my mind since I have worked here. I have no plans on leaving this club because it is a great club to work for.”

Dean Smith has been linked to the Aston Villa job (Getty)

Smith agreed with McEachran that this upcoming game would be one to watch given the approach of the two sides and stressed that, while respecting how well his opponents are playing this season, they’re certainly not fearful.

“Leeds look very similar to ourselves in terms of the intensity they want to play at. They look a really good football team and it's going to be tough. But it's a game all the players and the staff are certainly relishing.”

”They've had a fantastic start to the season under new management and they're playing a really entertaining brand of football,” he added. “With us going there, it makes for a really exciting game of football.

“I think they're the markers at the moment. They're top of the league, but they're also joint-top. There's an awful lot of teams out there who are very tightly bunched together, and I would include us with that as well.”