Leeds United predicted XI vs Brighton: Noah Okafor axed as new signing told to swim

Leeds United head to a historically unhappy hunting ground for a Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday.

Since Brighton moved to the Amex Stadium in 2011, Leeds have never won a competitive fixture there.

The Whites have lost seven and drawn three, and haven't even scored a goal there in their last eight visits.

Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten in all competitions 2026-27, however, with both of their two wins coming on the road against Nottingham Forest.

On the flip side, Fabian Hurzeler's Seagulls are licking their wounds after a chaotic 4-3 defeat away at Chelsea last Sunday.

Ahead of Saturday's 3pm kick-off, MOT Leeds News predicts how Farke will line his Leeds side up this weekend.

Daniel Farke rejigs Leeds defence after Joe Rodon blow

Speaking on Thursday, Farke has confirmed that Joe Rodon will be sidelined for two months with a nasty hamstring injury.

Rodon had started the first two Premier League games of the season too, and will need to be replaced for Brighton.

Ahead of James Trafford in goal, we're expecting to see a back three comprised of Jaka Bijol, Tarik Muharemovic and James Justin.

By bringing Justin into central defence, that will allow new arrival Melvin Bard to be thrown into the deep end for his Leeds debut at left wing-back.

The 25-year-old only signed on loan from Nice on deadline day, but is match fit after starting both of the French side's first two Ligue 1 games this term.

At right wing-back meanwhile, we don't see any reason for Jayden Bogle not to maintain his 100 per cent starting record in the league for 2026-27.

So, after a frustrating home draw with Brentford last time out, will Farke make further tweaks to his attack this weekend?

Okafor drops out after underwhelming Brentford display

Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu are quality and reliable central midfield partnership.

Farke has no reason to make any adjustments here, as these two have the potential to be one of the best engine room duos in the Premier League.

In the two attacking midfield spots ahead of them, however, we're tipping Farke to drop Noah Okafor for Brighton.

The Swiss international wasn't in the game against Brentford, and still looks some way off match fitness-wise.

In his place, we're backing Harry Wilson to come into the side to partner Brenden Aaronson.

That just leaves the centre-forward position to fill, and we don't see any world in which Dominic Calvert-Lewin doesn't start after his Brentford goal.

Lukas Nmecha did grab the assist and has looked good when given his chance this season, but Calvert-Lewin isn't for budging at this stage.