Brentford

Brentford have started the campaign in strong form, remaining unbeaten through two Premier League fixtures with four goals scored and only one conceded. Their 3-0 home victory against Tottenham showed their ability to control matches on their own ground. Sunderland struggled in their only away fixture this season, falling 2-1 to Ipswich. Backing Brentford to either win or draw covers the most likely outcomes while accounting for Sunderland's recent bounce-back victory against Fulham.

Leeds maintain a strong head-to-head record on home turf against Brentford, remaining undefeated in their last five home meetings with one victory and four draws. Both sides kept clean sheets in their league openers, and six of the last ten head-to-head clashes have ended in draws. Backing Leeds to secure at least a point offers a well-hedged position.

Brentford have won three consecutive matches, scoring 14 goals across victories over Tottenham (3-0), Eintracht Frankfurt (7-0), and Rennes (4-2). While Birmingham are also unbeaten in their last five outings (two wins and three draws), Brentford's potent attack gives them the advantage to either advance outright or force the tie beyond regular time.