Leeds United bounced back from their dreadful defeat against Burnley by clinching a victory over West Ham United in the previous gameweek. But they are 15th in the Premier League standings with 11 points, one fewer than Brighton & Hove Albion, who would welcome the Whites at the AMEX Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Seagulls have struggled for momentum early in the campaign. They stunned Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle United, but suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat against Manchester United. Fabian Hürzeler has been exquisite so far with his exciting brand of football; however, injuries to many first-team stars have cost them results on several occasions.
Predicted 4-3-3 Leeds United Lineup To Face Brighton & Hove Albion
Defence
Fit-again Lucas Perri has regained his starting status between the sticks, replacing Karl Darlow. The Selecao custodian was among their high-profile summer signings, as he has been brought in to cement the ‘number 1’ status at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke dropped Pascal Struijk and deployed Jaka Bijol in deep defence alongside Joe Rodon. They were headstrong and resolute against the Hammers, and the gaffer must not alter the winning combination in the heart of the backline. Gabriel Gudmundsson was forced to leave the pitch late in the first half with a lower back injury, and the Swedish left-back might miss the trip to the South Coast unless he passes a late fitness test. James Justin would likely get the nod in his potential absence, as the right full-back role belongs to Jayden Bogle, who has impressed both in attack and defence.
Midfield
Skipper Ethan Ampadu recovered from illness before hosting West Ham, and his presence at the base would be key in terms of driving the show as a deep-lying playmaker. Anton Stach lost his place to Ao Tanaka due to form and fitness reasons, and the German ace might again find a place among the substitutes following a stellar performance from the Japanese ‘number 8’. Sean Longstaff has cemented his spot as a box-to-box midfielder, but Stach, as well as Ilia Gruev, could be involved at some stage in the second half.
Attack
Despite significant attacking reinforcements, Leeds United have failed to pose a sufficient threat high up the pitch. Injuries to Noah Okafor, Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James did not help Farke, but the return of the trio must be a boost ahead of locking horns with Brighton. Okafor was taken off at half-time, given his past injury records. But the Swiss star should start at AMEX, with Brenden Aaronson tipped to keep his place on the right after finding the net last weekend. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored only once while spearheading the attack, yet he might get the nod over Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha for his movement and poaching traits in and around the box.
