The Whites are back in action again just 72 hours after crashing out of the League Cup to Manchester United as they make the long trip to Brighton's new Amex Stadium. Brighton are yet to lose at their new stadium in the league and the game is set to be United's biggest test of the season so far. Leeds have a decent record against Brighton having won 15 and lost 8 of 32 meetings. A particular highlight of this fixture was when Leeds strolled past Brighton 3-0 at the Withdean Stadium. Goals from Robert Snodgrass, Jermaine Beckford and Neil Kilkenny giving United their fifth win in a row and extending their lead to six points at the top of League One.
Brighton are yet to lose at their new stadium.
Team News:
Simon Grayson has Patrick Kisnorbo available again after the Australian missed the midweek Carling Cup exit through suspension. Danny Pugh is another option for Grayson and he is expected to make his second debut for the club after signing on loan from Stoke City. Early indications suggest that Pugh's inclusion will be at left midfield and not left back. Meanwhile Luciano Becchio is expected to be handed his first league start of the season after he came through around 50 minutes in midweek. Mika Vayrynen is also pushing for a place in the side after making his Leeds debut as a second half substitute on Tuesday night.
For the hosts Marcos Painter is available for selection after he missed the visit of Liverpool on Wednesday night through suspension but Will Buckley is out after injuring his troublesome hamstring in the same game. Lewis Dunk, Ryan Harley, Gary Dicker and Ashley Barnes were all rested against Liverpool and are all likely to be involved as Brighton look to hold on to their unbeaten home league record.
One To Watch:
Craig Mackail-Smith smashed 35 goals last term for Peterborough and despite stepping up a level it seems it is not going to effect him too much as he has 3 goals to his name so far this season. Since joining Peterborough in 2007, the one time St Albans City player has gone from strength to strength and his accolades include being named League One player of the year and earning a cap for Scotland against Brazil in March. Brighton have a lot of promising players and tricky wingers Craig Noone and Kazenga Lua-Lua will have to marked tightly as their supply to Mackail-Smith could result in goals, especially with United's non-existent defence so far this season.
My Prediction:
After Tuesdays no show, I think the boys are going to fight bravely against a good Brighton side and come back to Elland Road with a point. A win would be brilliant but I would be very happy with a point. If we had the option of 7 points from 9 before the Crystal Palace game then we would have taken it, 1-1.
Last Six Meetings:
20th February 2010 - Leeds United 1-1 Brighton
21st November 2009 - Brighton 0-3 Leeds United
17th January 2009 - Brighton 0-2 Leeds United
11th October 2008 - Leeds United 3-1 Brighton
29th March 2008 - Leeds United 0-0 Brighton
20th October 2007 - Leeds United 1-0 Brighton
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