Brentford boss Dean Smith is eyeing an away win over struggling Leeds as he looks to maintain their scintillating form in the hunt for a play-off place.

The Bees head to Elland Road after two consecutive wins, including a 5-0 drubbing of Birmingham on Tuesday which left them in tenth place, just four points adrift of the play-offs.

Leeds, meanwhile, who are four points and one place below Brentford in 11th, have not won since their 2-1 victory over Burton Albion on Boxing Day.

And Smith knows this is a fixture that comes at a crucial point of his side's season, confident it is matches like this that can lay the foundations for a big push towards the end of the campaign.

“I have always felt that February and March are very important,” Smith said.

“We have had good Aprils since I have been here but we haven’t been close enough to compete in the top six.

“If we can go and get the third one that will give us a great set-up for the following week against Cardiff City, Burton Albion and Millwall.

“They are big weeks when you have these midweek games and we know the importance of them.”

Smith said he was spoilt for choice for his starting line-up, as Lewis Macleod and Sergi Canos returned from injury and suspension respectively to give the squad a boost.

Nico Yennaris, meanwhile, remains a doubt after missing last week’s match with a personal issue and then suffering with sickness to miss the Birmingham game on Tuesday.

“I have headaches for the team and for the bench as well,” admitted Smith.

“There are some very good players at this club who won’t even get on the bench.

“As coaches, performances are what float our boat but wins are the icing on the cake.

“Getting the wins has been pleasing for us but it’s about the manner of the wins with seven goals for and none conceded in two games.

“It’s certainly put us in a good mood going to Leeds United.”

Leeds, meanwhile, are enduring a horror run which saw Thomas Christiansen lose his job earlier this month.

Former Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom has been given the task of turning fortunes around at Elland Road – and Brentford’s Smith is wary of the threat they pose.

“He has been close to the three points the last two games,” said Smith.

“Bristol City started the game really well and got the lead with two long throws.

“Leeds really had a go at them, got back into the game and then had a chance to win it at the end.

“They’ve then gone to Derby, who haven’t lost many games recently, and took the lead against them.

“Derby got back into it before they took the lead again and nearly held on to it.

“They are 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.”