Leeds United face Brighton & Hove Albion away from home this weekend, in a clash against one of the Premier League’s high-flyers over recent years.

Meeting the media at Thorp Arch on his birthday, Daniel Farke previewed the match, but first up he was asked about his plans for turning 49 today!

“Not much so far because we had a meeting today, then this training!” The boss told reporters.

“Got a little birthday cake, but perhaps later on something will happen because I'm fully committed. Our owners will be happy, proper member of the 49ers right now! So, yeah, nice day, but we're concentrated and focused on the work.”

The Seagulls have finished in the top 10 of the division in three out of the last four seasons, and speaking ahead of the match, our manager discussed the test his team will come up against.

“We know what they've done also in the past seasons under Fabian [Hurzeler], but also Roberto [De Zerbi] before. So overall, you have to say credit to what Brighton has done,” Farke said, on our upcoming opposition.

“I think they're doing a fantastic job as a club. They have developed into an established Premier League side and they are allowed to speak more about Europe than to speak about relegation battle.

“And this is credit to the top, top work that they've done throughout the whole club. And you have to give credit to them, I think it is fantastic how they have developed.

“But yeah, nevertheless, we also know that we have a chance wherever we go. And for that, we are respectful, but we won't travel in fear.”

Finally, there will be a reunion for the team with former player Georginio Rutter, who has been a standout performer since moving to the South Coast.

“I think he's an important player for them and he's not the finished end product yet. I think there's even more to come, but he's still developing into a superstar on this level.

“It was really a pleasure and great to work with him. I don't want to praise him too much because we want to handle him at the weekend, we want to make sure that he won't shine too much.

“But take this game to the side, it's always a joy to see Georgi, not just because of his quality, but also especially because of the human being that he is.”