Leeds United travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion at The Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon (17:30), live on Sky Sports.
This Premier League encounter will be just the third time that the two teams have met at this level, with the only two coming last season, which saw Brighton win both times. The overall record between the two across all competitions is even though, with 18 wins apiece and 11 draws!
The Seagulls began the season in superb style, winning four out of there opening five Premier League matches. Couple with two Carabao Cup victories as well, that made Graham Potter’s recored six wins from seven as the team edged towards the end of September.
More recently though, it was been a different story, as the south coast side haven’t tasted three points in the league since September 19th. A run of five draws from their last seven games has kept the points coming though, meaning they currently occupy a top 10 position.
For the Whites, two losses, two draws and two wins in their last six matches has seen points going onto the board, after a long run without a league win to begin the campaign. Marcelo Bielsa feels performances are improving, with a number of close encounters in the last few weeks.
Top scorer for Saturday’s hosts is the well-known Neal Maupay. The striker has proven to be a difficult player to face in recent times for Leeds, with four goals in his last six matches against the club, including a winning goal at Elland Road last season.
Leading the charts and confirmed fit to be involved if selected for the Whites, is Raphinha. The attacker missed the weekend defeat at Tottenham Hotspur but is now likely to be back in the side, and his five goals up to now will mean he is welcomed back.
Depending on results elsewhere, three points for either side could see a number of position changes for either side. A Brighton victory could move them as high as 5th, whereas a win for Leeds could move them up to 13th.
Manager/head coach:
Brighton: Graham Potter
Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa
What Marcelo Bielsa said ahead of the match?
“Brighton are a team that is flexible in the way they line up and they play players in different positions, which makes them difficult to play against. They do this very naturally and efficiently.”
League position
Brighton: 9th
Leeds: 17th
Premier League form
Brighton: DLDDL
Leeds: LDWDL
Top scorer
Brighton: Neal Maupay (4)
Leeds: Raphinha (5)
Head to head
Brighton: 18
Draws: 11
Leeds: 18
A memorable moment against the Seagulls...
Team news
Marcelo Bielsa has given an in-depth injury update, stating that Jamie Shackleton, Rodrigo and Raphinha are all available. Luke Ayling, Robin Koch and Patrick Bamford are all in the final stages of their recovery and could be available for selection soon.
An important returning figure for Brighton will be Robert Sanchez, after the goalkeeper was recently suspended. Enock Mwepu, Neal Maupay and Solly March could also come back, but Steven Alzate and Danny Welbeck will still be missing.
Officials
Referee - Craig Pawson
Assistant Referee 1 - Lee Betts
Assistant Referee 2 - Richard West
Fourth Official - John Brooks
Video Assistant Referee - Jarred Gillett
The key battle
Lewis Dunk vs Liam Cooper
Two central-defenders who are pivotal to the success of their side will be going head to head on Saturday afternoon, as the Whites take on the Seagulls. Take a look at some stats comparing the two in action this season, as they prepare to do battle, having already played 12 matches each this season!
Latest odds
Brighton: 21/20
Draw: 12/5
Leeds: 13/5
How to watch
The match is being shown live on Sky Sports, with commentary available as always through LUTV.
Supporter information
Please read important information provided by our hosts on Saturday, by clicking here.
