Leeds United's Three Potential “Men of the Match” on Friday against Brighton

Garry Monk has to be a happy man these days. His Leeds side is making supporters believe this season is the season that their club finally makes their way back to the Premier League. An upcoming match against in-form Brighton, on the road no less, is the kind of test that proves promotion credentials.

The question is: which Leeds United players will make the difference on the pitch?

Here are your three potential MOTM candidates against the Seagulls.

1. Pontus Jansson

What a player Jansson has proven to be this season for Leeds. The Whites can attribute a large portion of their success in defense to the on-loan Swede. Supporters could not be more thankful for the discipline, heart and consistent defensive play that Jansson brings to the team.

The feeling is mutual apparently.

Jansson has made it public that his love for football is back and this has only led to speculation that he will want to make his loan to Leeds permanent.

What better time to join Leeds permanently than as the team makes their way back to the Premier League? He wants to stay, we want him to stay, let’s make it happen. Another big defensive performance on Friday will only make the decision more obvious.

2. Hadi Sacko

The Frenchman has speed and lots of it, and he has provided important crosses on several goals this season. Another on-loan player, he has become a fan favorite with his ability to run at defenses with pace.

Direct attacking play will be what Leeds will need against Brighton, and Sacko will have a major role to play in this area. The Frenchman will look to cause chaos and confusion for the Seagulls which should create plenty of chances for teammates around him.

The attacking task will certainly not be easy. Brighton has the best defensive record in the Championship with only 11 goals conceded from 19 games played.

3. Chris Wood

As long as the Kiwi remains the main (and only true) source of goals for the Whites, he will always be a potential MOTM. His goal against Aston Villa took his goal total to 10 in the Championship, 13 overall. At this scoring pace, Wood will surely be in contention for top scorer at the end of the season.

The question against Brighton is, can his teammates provide him with effective service? Wood is a true danger in the air and a poacher when the ball comes into the box.

Wood will be a handful for the Brighton defense, but even if he does not score look for Wood to turn provider and set up one of his wingers on a Leeds counter.

It will take a true team effort from Monk's United to crack open the Brighton defense. But with belief and confidence at an all-time high, there is little doubt that Leeds come into this match expecting three points.

Leeds United hype has not been this high in a long, long time. MOT