Leeds United will aim to maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season when they travel to the Amex Stadium to face Brighton on Saturday.
The Whites have made an excellent start to the campaign with seven points from a possible nine, pulling an upset against big-hitters Chelsea at Elland Road last weekend. It was a complete team performance, one that would have made Jesse Marsch proud.
Leeds will travel to Brighton full of confidence and hope to get all three points in what is expected to be an entertaining clash in East Sussex.
Leeds United Team News
Leeds United enjoyed a second-round Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley on Wednesday night, with the players returning unscathed.
đŸ’ª @LUFC travel to face Brighton in the @premierleague this weekend. đŸ‘‡ #LUFC #MOT pic.twitter.com/uFTNVml5do
— Leeds United StatZone (@lufcsz) August 26, 2022
Stuart Dallas is out with a long-term knee injury, while Junior Firpo and Luke Ayling remain sidelined up until September. Patrick Bamford sustained an adductor injury against Southampton a couple of weekends ago but he could be back in the squad to face Brighton.
Predicted Leeds United lineup vs Brighton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier is Leeds United’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper and will look to shut the shop as quickly as possible against Brighton.
Defence
We could see a back four of Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk. Koch should start alongside Llorente at centre-back while Kristensen and Struijk should continue to operate from full-back positions for the Whites.
Brighton are a well-drilled and energetic side, and they like to keep possession. So the Leeds backline will need to be at their sublime best to keep the home side at bay.
Midfield
Compared to last season, Leeds have looked more balanced and stable in midfield with summer signings Marc Roca and Tyler Adams slowly building a strong partnership. Roca and Adams together have added energy, industry and bite to Leeds’ midfield, thus, making it difficult for the opponents to have control of the ball for large periods.
Brenden Aaronson has been a breath of fresh air for the Peacocks, bringing flair and invention to Marsch’s side. The American’s smart decision-making, quick movement and vision will be key in unlocking a rigid Brighton rear-guard at the Amex Stadium.
Attack
While Patrick Bamford could be available, he might not be fit enough to start on Saturday afternoon. Hence, the in-form Rodrigo could again find himself playing as the striker in the Leeds United lineup.
Daniel James and Jack Harrison are likely to continue out on the flanks, meaning Luis Sinisterra may need to bide more time on the bench before he makes his full debut.
