Elland Road prepares for a party atmosphere this Sunday as Leeds United host Brighton in their final home fixture of a transformative campaign. For Daniel Farke and his players, the hard work is done; a gritty 1-1 draw at Tottenham last weekend officially secured their Premier League safety, leaving them comfortably on 44 points.
With the pressure of the drop finally lifted, the Whites can afford to play with the handbrake off as they look to end a seven-match unbeaten run on a high.
While Leeds are playing for pride, Brighton arrive in West Yorkshire with everything on the line. Fabian Hürzeler’s side are currently 7th, locked in a fierce battle with Bournemouth and Newcastle for the final European spots.
The Seagulls have been one of the league’s most clinical outfits in the run-in, picking up 22 points from their last 30 available. However, they will have to navigate this crucial trip without star man Kaoru Mitoma, whose season-ending hamstring injury has also tragically ruled him out of this summer’s World Cup.
Tactically, this has the markings of a shootout. Since switching to a more direct, physical 3-4-2-1 system, Leeds have become an offensive force, spearheaded by a rejuvenated Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Brighton, meanwhile, have scored in seven straight league matches and possesses the league’s most in-form veteran in Danny Welbeck. With Leeds safe and Brighton desperate for three points, expect an expansive game where defensive pragmatism takes a back seat to attacking intent.
What are the best picks for Leeds vs Brighton?
Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals
The safety factor for Leeds usually leads to goals at both ends. Free from the tactical shackles of a relegation scrap, Farke’s side are likely to attack from the whistle, but they remain vulnerable to Brighton’s elite transition play. The Seagulls haven’t kept a clean sheet on the road in over a month, and with Leeds finding the net in every game of their current unbeaten streak, the over 2.5 and BTTS markets are the safest plays on the board.
Danny Welbeck to have 1+ shot on target
At 35, Welbeck is enjoying the most prolific season of his career with 13 Premier League goals. He has become the definitive focal point of Hürzeler’s attack, averaging nearly three shots per game with a 50% accuracy rate lately. With Brighton needing a result and Leeds missing the midfield shield of Ethan Ampadu, Welbeck should find plenty of space to test Karl Darlow from central positions.
Where can I watch Leeds vs Brighton?
USA viewers can watch live on USA Network or stream via Peacock at 10:00 a.m. ET. UK viewers can watch live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 14:00 BST for a 15:00 kick-off.
What have the managers said?
Daniel Farke:
“We want to make our supporters proud. If you represent this passionate and amazing club, you have all to play for. We want to show what we have shown lately and spoil our supporters even a bit more in our final home game.”
Fabian Hürzeler:
“We weren’t good only in possession, but also out of possession. We defended quite well [against Chelsea]. I have challenged the team not to fall below the benchmark we have set for these final games. We must maintain those standards at Elland Road.”
What is Leeds’ predicted team?
Darlow; Rodon, Bijol, Bornauw; Gnonto, Stach, Longstaff, Tanaka, Justin; Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha
Injured: Noah Okafor, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Ilia Gruev
Doubt: Ethan Ampadu (illness), Pascal Struijk (hip)
What is Brighton’s predicted team?
Verbruggen; Kadioglu, van Hecke, Dunk, Estupiñán; Wieffer, Baleba; Minteh, Pedro, Enciso; Welbeck
Injured: Kaoru Mitoma (hamstring), Solly March (knee), Jack Hinshelwood (ankle)
Doubt: Mats Wieffer (fitness), Diego Gómez (muscle)
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