We might get to experience a Championship classic tonight when two promotion hopefuls Brighton and Leeds United lock horns with each other. We can expect a cracker of a game when the two in-form sides meet each other at Amex Stadium. A victory for The Seagulls will see Chris Hughton’s side leapfrog league leaders Newcastle United at least for the time being while visitors Leeds United will be looking to push closer to the automatic promotion places after winning five of their last six matches.
Leeds United will travel to the south coast with a good run of form, arguably their best in recent years. Brighton went pretty close to promotion last season but have it all to do again this term. The start they had to their season is quite brilliant and they are just one point behind league leaders Newcastle United. If the Seagulls can keep up their form, we could see them in the Premier League next season.
The Whites have been in scintillating form after a slow start to life under Monk and now seem to be in real contention for getting promoted. After their 2-0 win against fellow Championship giants Aston Villa, Leeds are now fourth with 32 points under their belt and making the fans dream the Premier League.
Team news
Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton defender Gaetan Bong is suspended. The full-back will serve a one-game ban following his red card in the goalless draw at Cardiff last weekend, so Sebastien Pocognoli is set for a recall. Midfielder Beram Kayal is back in training after missing two months with injury but won’t be involved.
Liam Rosenior is also close to returning from his ankle problem and is expected back in training next week, while fellow defender Uwe Huenemeier is out with a hand injury.
Leeds United
Leeds defender Liam Cooper is expected to return to the squad after shaking off the ankle injury that kept him out of last week’s home win against Aston Villa. Eunan O’Kane was back in training on Thursday and could also return to the squad after suffering a groin strain.
Pablo Hernandez is still another two weeks away from a comeback after missing the last four matches. Fellow midfielder Liam Bridcutt has also returned to training and continues to work his way back to full match fitness after fracturing a bone in his foot in September.
Predicted lineups
Brighton (4-4-2): Stockdale; Bruno, Duffy, Dunk, Pocognoli; Murphy, Sidwell, Stephens, Skalak; Baldock, Murray
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Green; Ayling, Bartley, Jansson, Taylor; Phillips, Vieira; Sacko, Roofe, Doukara; Wood
Odds
Brighton win @17/20
Draw @27/10
Leeds win @17/4
