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Andrew Steel

The chaotic scenes last time Leeds United faced a big-money ex-star as Pontus Jansson reunion looms

Leeds United are gearing up to square off with a familiar face this week as they welcome Pontus Jansson and new club Brentford in the Championship on Wednesday.

The Swedish cult hero with the 'Magic Hat' left Elland Road in a surprise exit earlier this summer as Marcelo Bielsa shuffled his squad for the new season, with Brighton loanee Ben White since stepping into his shoes.

Having joined the Bees at an apparently cut-price rate, the 28-year-old has seen his new club make a mixed start to the campaign, with the centre-back sitting out their Carabao Cup first round exit to Cambridge United.

Pontus Jansson is due back at Elland Road (Henry Browne/Getty Images)

But with a tantalising reunion on the cards, fireworks will be expected in West Yorkshire - though Leeds fans might hope for less drama than their last reunion with a big-money former player.

In 2017, the Whites let leading goalscorer Chris Wood depart for Premier League outfit Burnley after he snubbed a new contract offer, with the New Zealand international signing a four-year deal at Turf Moor.

Chris Wood celebrates his goal against Leeds in 2017 (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

The striker didn't have to wait long to meet his old club too, when United were drawn away to the Clarets in the third round of the Carabao Cup in September.

With only a handful of minutes of regular time left, Leeds looked to be heading for an upset victory following Hadi Sacko's effort, with Wood coming off the bench late on.

The onetime Leicester man proved to be key, levelling the scores up from the penalty spot after Gaetano Berardi fouled Kevin Long.

There was still more to come in injury time though, as Pablo Hernandez restored the advantage for Leeds with his own spot kick in the 94th minute.

Pablo Hernandez slots home the penalty (PA)

Burnley refused to be bowed and Wood was influential again as Robbie Brady scored another leveller from an outstanding free-kick.

The forward scored in the subsequent shoot-out too, as Sean Dyche's side looked to escape to the fourth round.

But goalkeeper Andy Lonergan held his nerve to block James Tarkowski's effort, with Stuart Dallas sealing the improbable victory 5-3 on penalties.

Bielsa will no doubt be hoping for a quieter night under the lights tonight...

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