Chris Sutton predicts outcome of Leeds United v Brighton in Premier League
Chris Sutton believes Leeds United will fall to defeat when they face off against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday (11 March), despite having the backing of the Elland Road faithful.
Javi Gracia’s side have been brought back down to earth following their crucial 1-0 win over Southampton with back-to-back defeats to Fulham in the FA Cup and Chelsea in the Premier League.
Writing his predictions for BBC Sport (9 March), Sutton admitted the Whites faced a tough test against Roberto De Zerbi’s high-flying Brighton side – who are currently three points off sixth place – and that they will fall to a 2-1 defeat.
He wrote: “Leeds are pretty similar to Everton in that really they need to win their home games to give themselves a chance of staying up, and also because they don’t carry much of an attacking threat.
“In fact, Leeds have scored only one goal in their past five games in the league and FA Cup, which is why they are in so much trouble.
“They are absolutely desperate for a win here but their problem is that they are facing a Brighton side who are not fazed by anyone.
“The Seagulls open teams up and play with a wonderful freedom – they have clicked so many times already this season that they actually have a good chance of making the top four. They don’t seem to fear anyone.
“Leeds will have the backing of the Elland Road crowd, but they are going to have to show great intensity just to keep this one close.”
Tough test
The two teams couldn’t have much more contrasting fortunes in the Premier League this season.
When the first day of the season rolled around in August, many fans and pundits would have predicted that both would be side-by-side in the middle of the Premier League table.
However, 16 points currently separate the two sides, as well as Brighton possessing two games in hand.
Despite this, Gracia’s side won’t be unperturbed by the challenge that awaits. Since the Spaniard’s arrival, Leeds have looked like a far more organised unit off the ball, and even when losing to Fulham in the FA Cup, were the side in the ascendency for the most part.
The final piece of the jigsaw for Gracia is to get Leeds scoring goals again, but the potential return of Rodrigo to the matchday squad could well solve this issue. With the Spaniard’s return, the Whites should have more than enough quality to catch Brighton off guard and get a result at Elland Road on Saturday.
In other Leeds United news, a key attacking duo could be set to return for the clash with Brighton this weekend.
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