Brighton & Hove Albion, who lost to Manchester City last gameweek will now travel to Ellan Road to face Leeds United. Brighton has been struggling to find their feet in the final third this season with only a couple of points away from the relegation zone, while Leeds are trying to get into the top half of the table.
With multiple injuries, illness’ and suspension, we look at the five Leeds United vs Brighton Key clashes, which can intrigue the results:
Neal Maupay vs Patrick Bamford:
Leeds top-scorer Patrick Bamford has scored 10 goals for his side while the French international Neal Maupay has scored six goals in the Premier League being Brighton’s leading goal-getter as well.
Bamford not only edges the duel in goals but also in lay-offs with a couple of assists against Maupay’s one.
Bamford has had more shots on target, considering Leed’s creativity in the final third. Not to ignore his finishing and aerial abilities he has been a key weapon for The Whites in the Premier League.
Both Strikers possess a great amount of goal threat when in the box and their shooting attributes have improved majorly since the last couple of seasons. They will try to make the most of the chances received against each other while Bamford looks to be in the race for the Golden Boot, while Neal Maupay will look to help his team to stay in the Premier League.
Solly March vs Ezgjan Alioski:
The two left full-backs have been in sensational form grabbing important goals for their teams, scoring two goals each for their clubs.
Solly March who plays as a Left wing-back for Brighton has impressed Graham Potter this season and has been rewarded with plenty of game time. While Alioski didn’t start in Leed’s first 5 matches, but slowly started repaying his manager’s faith with goals and stellar performances. Alioski will look to threaten Brighton’s right side with his ability to run with the ball, dribble, and also curl in crosses for the men in the box.
He may have a lot of defending to do against Leeds but will try to create chances with his passing precision and quality to create danger in the opposition half.
Lewis Dunk vs Luke Ayling:
The two 29-year-old skippers are the central figure in the defensive aspects of their respective sides.
Luke Ayling has covered up for centrally with injuries haunting Bielsa in the center of the defence keeping 2 clean sheets (total six clean sheets, two of which came playing as CB) in that process.
Leeds poor record defending set-pieces will give Lewis Dunk the fuel to take advantage of his height and goalscoring ability. Luke Ayling may get back to his right-back position with Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente’s back fit.
Leandro Trossard vs Raphinha:
Leandro Trossard is yet o find his feet this campaign though has still managed to create a decent amount of chances (31) for Brighton scoring a goal and laying off a further three. With his strike partners Conolly and Welback injured, Trossard and Maupay will look to unlock the Leeds defence with their on-pitch chemistry and charisma.
The Brazilian magician, Raphinha, who joined the club on deadline day has played twelve matches managing to score a couple of goals – one of which being a beautiful top corner finish with his left foot. Raphinha has played all the matches since his arrival has created 22 chances and had 22 shots. Leeds will again rely on Raphinha’s pace and skills to get behind Brighton’s line and create havoc in the box.
Yves Bissouma vs Mateusz Klich:
Bissouma should return to the starting eleven after serving a suspension for accumulating 5 yellow cards and will certainly be a physical and tactical presence in the midfield for The Seagulls. His defensive prowess would be critical to negate Leeds attacking threat.
Klich has been impressive for the hosts this campaign, starting seventeen matches with seven contributions, a couple of them being goals. He has been Leeds’ regular penalty taker but recently Bamford has stepped up and taken the responsibility. Klich will look to draw defenders towards him and play clever balls inside considering his visionary flair.
Leeds United host Brighton & Hove Albion on 16th January, 15:00 BST. Kevin Friend will be the match referee for this game.
