Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon, in their 34th Premier League fixture of the campaign. 

Following the draw with Manchester United last time out, Bielsa’s side are currently on a six match unbeaten run. Graham Potter’s Brighton side are in the opposite form, with just one win in their last five games.

The Seagulls are currently placed 17th in the table, just one spot above Fulham who are in the relegation zone. They do have a seven point gap over the Cottagers which could be key, with just the five matches left to play.

The recent head to head results are stacked heavily in favour of the Seagulls, who have won seven of their last eight league matches against the Whites. That run has included the last four home matches, games in which Leeds have failed to score in all of them. 

When the two teams met at Elland Road in January, a first half goal from Neal Maupay settled proceedings and secured a 1-0 win for Potter’s side, who have only won four out of 14 since that victory. 

Away from home this season, Leeds are yet to draw a match. The Whites have an impressive record of eight wins from their 16 clashes on the road, including their last two outings.  

Neal Maupay will once again be the main danger man for the home side. He’s the club’s top scorer this season with eight and the striker also has an excellent record against the Whites, scoring four goals in five appearances including the winner at Elland Road this season.  

Between the sticks for Leeds, Illan Meslier became youngest ever Premier League goalkeeper to get 10 clean sheets, achieving this last time out against Manchester United. 

A win for Leeds this weekend would see them hit the 50 point mark, which would be an excellent achievement after promotion last season. Bielsa’s side can’t move up any places with a win, but would remain in their ninth placed position for another week.

A Brighton win could move them as high as 14th in the table, dependent on results elsewhere. More importantly for the Seagulls, three points would take them 10 points clear of Fulham and the relegation zone, with the season-end approaching. 

Manager/head coach

Brighton: Graham Potter

Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa

League position

Brighton: 17th

Leeds: 9th

Premier League form

Brighton: WLDDL

Leeds: WWWDD

Premier League top scorer

Brighton: Neal Maupay (8)

Leeds: Patrick Bamford (14)

Head to head 

Brighton: 18

Draws: 11

Leeds: 17

Last time at AMEX Stadium

9th December, 2016

Championship

Brighton & Hove Albion 2

Leeds United 0

Team news

Raphinha will once again be missing from Marcelo Bielsa’s squad for the trip to the South Coast, after picking up an injury against Manchester City. Rodrigo looks set to return to action, but is unlikely to start. Liam Cooper is serving the final match of his three-game suspension. 

Adam Lallana could be an important player out for the hosts, but he will be assessed closer to kick off following a calf injury. South African forward Percy Tau has been back in training and could be involved on in the match.

Officials

Referee - Chris Kavanagh

Assistant Referee 1 - Dan Cook

Assistant Referee 2 - Neil Davies

Fourth Official - John Brooks

Video Assistant Referee - Jarred Gillett

The key battle

Neal Maupay vs Diego Llorente 

Brighton’s main threat is Maupay, who will be looking to continue his fine record against the Whites with another at the AMEX on Saturday. If Leeds can keep him quiet, it will go a long way to adding another impressive result and of course, another clean sheet to the growing tally. 

Llorente has been in excellent form since his return to the side and he will be one of the defensive line tasked with stopping the striker. But, at the same time, the Spanish international will also offer a threat on attacking set-pieces when he has the opportunity to go forward. 

Latest odds

Brighton: 21/10

Draw: 5/2

Leeds: 5/2 

How to watch

The game will be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video, with live commentary on LUTV.