Leeds vs Brighton | Premier League Preview

Leeds United will be looking to build on their recent upturn in form when they welcome Brighton to Elland Road on Saturday afternoon, with both sides still having plenty to play for in what remains of the Premier League season.

The Whites have shown signs of life in recent weeks, picking up wins in two of their last five matches while drawing two others. Their only defeat in that spell came away from home, highlighting how much stronger they've been at Elland Road this campaign. With eight wins from 18 home games compared to just two victories on their travels, Daniel Farke's side will be confident of getting something from this fixture. However, their defensive frailties remain a concern, having conceded 53 goals in 36 matches this season.

Brighton arrive in West Yorkshire in decent nick themselves, also winning two of their last five Premier League outings. The Seagulls have been far more consistent throughout the campaign and sit comfortably in seventh place, 14 points clear of their hosts. Roberto De Zerbi's men have been particularly impressive at home, winning nine of their 18 fixtures at the Amex, though their away form tells a different story with just five victories on the road.

Both teams come into this match having played the same number of fixtures, so fatigue shouldn't be a decisive factor. However, the injury lists make for concerning reading for both managers. Leeds will be without the creativity of Facundo Buonanotte, who has been ruled out with a hamstring problem, while Ilian Gruev's knee injury continues to sideline the midfielder. Noah Okafor's calf complaint adds to their attacking concerns. Brighton face their own selection headaches with Kaoru Mitoma still missing through a thigh injury, robbing them of one of their most dangerous wide players.

The head to head record between these sides makes for interesting reading and suggests we could be in for a tight encounter. Their most recent meeting saw Brighton run out comfortable 3-0 winners at the Amex earlier this season, but historically these fixtures have been closely contested affairs. The previous encounter at Elland Road ended 2-2, while their matches have generally been low-scoring affairs with neither side managing to establish clear dominance over the other.

Michael Oliver takes charge of proceedings, and the experienced official typically keeps a firm grip on matches without being overly card-happy. His presence should ensure the game flows well, which could suit Brighton's more technical approach, though Leeds will be hoping their home crowd can generate the kind of atmosphere that has served them well this season.

Leeds' home record gives them genuine cause for optimism here, particularly given Brighton's struggles away from home. The Seagulls have lost eight of their 18 away fixtures and have conceded 25 goals on their travels compared to just 17 at home. With both sides having similar recent form but Leeds enjoying the comfort of their own ground, this looks set to be a closely fought contest.

Despite Brighton's superior league position, Leeds' home advantage and recent upturn in form should see them avoid defeat here. A draw looks the most likely outcome in what promises to be an entertaining encounter between two sides with contrasting fortunes this season.