What a game we have on our hands on Friday! Two promotion hopefuls Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United will lock horns with each other at Amex Stadium in a game that could be a cracker.
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.
On the other hand, Leeds have failed to come close to promotion in recent years but Garry Monk seems to have done the trick in such a short time after taking the job at Elland Road in the summer. 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 the fans should be confident about finishing in the top six.
Here is the predicted Leeds United lineup against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Defence
Veteran shot-stopper Robert Green will start between the sticks for the Whites ahead of Marco Silvestri. Leeds have been top-notch defensively this season with Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson impressing at the heart of the defence.
The duo looked solid against a strong Aston Villa attack last week and will be hoping to play a similar game against Brighton. Luke Ayling is expected to start at right-back ahead of Gaetano Berardi while Charlie Taylor is likely to keep his place at left-back.
Midfield
Brighton are a strong side with plenty of experience in their side and Monk will desperately hope that Eunan O’Kane comes back in time for the game. The Irishman suffered a minor knock against Liverpool and missed the Villa game but should make the starting XI against Brighton.
We expect youngster Kalvin Phillips to keep his place in the middle of the park. Youngster Ronaldo Vieira is likely to start as the number ten.
Attack
Souleymane Doukara is likely to start on the right flank. Kemar Roofe was on the scoresheet against Aston Villa last week and should keep his place at the left flank.
Chris Wood scored his tenth goal of the season against Villa last week and will spearhead Leeds’ attack against Brighton.
