Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United host Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

This will be the first time since the thrilling 4-3 victory over Fulham at home in September, that the Whites have played in a fixture kicking-off at 3pm on home turf. 

Going into the match on the back of two home victories and three wins in their last four in the Premier League, Bielsa’s side enjoyed a productive Christmas period that saw them move back up the table.  

Brighton are now nine matches without a win in the league. Their latest away trip was on Wednesday night against Manchester City, where they lost 1-0 despite a spirited performance. That display will certainly give the Seagulls renewed confidence going into the match, having caused Pep Guardiola’s side problems at times. 

In the run of nine matches without a win, Graham Potter’s side have drawn five of those matches. They have kept three clean sheets up to this point and Leeds fans will certainly be aware of the defensive ability of Ben White, who returns to Elland Road for the first time since his successful loan spell.  

Looking to get past his old teammate will be Patrick Bamford, who reached double figures in the Premier League before the turn of the year. The forward looks set to lead the line for the Whites once again and it will be an interesting battle at that end of the pitch.  

Should Leeds win the game, they could move up to 10th in the table. Visitors Brighton will be looking to earn a vital three points and go into 16th, putting distance between themselves and the bottom three. 

Manager/head coach

Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa

Brighton: Graham Potter

League position

Leeds United: 12th

Brighton: 17th

Premier League form 

Leeds United: WLWWL 

Brighton: DDLDL

Premier League top scorer

Leeds United: Patrick Bamford (10)

Brighton: Neal Maupay (6)

Head to head

Leeds United: 18

Draws: 11

Brighton: 16

Last time at Elland Road

Saturday 18th March, 2017

Championship 

Leeds 2 (Wood 63’, 85’ pen)

Brighton 0

Team news 

Kalvin Phillips will miss the match for Leeds through suspension, after picking up a yellow card against Tottenham. Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Tyler Roberts, Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente are all fit and ready to return to action following injury. 

Brighton will have Tariq Lamptey, Danny Welbeck, Adam Lallana, Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Aaron Connolly all missing on Saturday afternoon, the club have confirmed. Returning to the side following suspension will be midfielder, Yves Bissouma. 

Officials

Referee - Kevin Friend 

Assistant Referee 1 - Simon Beck

Assistant Referee 2 - Adrian Holmes

Fourth Official - Lee Mason

Video Assistant Referee - Craig Pawson

The key battle 

Liam Cooper vs Neal Maupay

The Leeds United captain looks set to return to Premier League action after an injury lay off. This will be welcome news to a defence that has been impressive in the league over recent weeks, keeping two clean sheets from their last three games, meaning he can strengthen it further. 

Looking to breach that defence will be Brighton’s top scorer Neal Maupay. The forward has netted six goals this term and is generally at the forefront of most of the Seagulls’ attacking play. He netted in both of his last two appearances against the Whites, so he is certainly one to watch for Cooper on Saturday. 

Latest odds

Leeds United: 23/20

Draw: 13/5

Brighton: 11/5

How to watch

The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports, with live commentary on LUTV.