Injury woes and Ben White's form - what Leeds United need to know about Brighton from a Seagulls expert

Leeds United travel to face Brighton in the Premier League this afternoon - but what do you need to know about the Seagulls? We asked expert Derren Howard to give us the insight.
By Joe Urquhart
Published 1st May 2021, 08:00 BST
Brighton celebrate in the Premier League. Pic: GettyBrighton celebrate in the Premier League. Pic: Getty
Brighton celebrate in the Premier League. Pic: Getty

Brighton key man

Yves Bissouma has been excellent for Graham Potter's team of late.

The Mali international midfielder provides protection to the defensive line but also has the energy and skill to drive forward and start the attacks.

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Brighton will do well to keep hold of him this summer with Liverpool and Arsenal both said to be keen on the 24-year-old.

Injury situation for Saturday

Other than the long term absentees of Tariq Lamptey, Solly March and Florin Andone, Brighton are expected to be at full strength to face Leeds at the Amex Stadium.

Defenders Adam Webster and Dan Burn are both fit once more, while striker Aaron Connolly returned from a foot problem and was a second half substitute during the 1-0 loss at Sheffield United last week.

Mood at Brighton currently

The loss at Bramall Lane was seen as a huge opportunity missed. Brighton are seven points above the drop with five to go and one more victory should just about see them safe. That's a huge incentive for the players ahead of this Saturday.

Style/formation they're likely to adopt against Leeds

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Graham Potter is never shy to tweak formations and personnel before and during each match.

Ben White will likely return to the starting XI after his suspension and take his place on the right of a three man defence, alongside Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster.

Albion have not scored in their last three and Potter will have to decide if he keeps faith in the three pronged attack of Neal Maupay, Danny Welbeck and Leo Trossard.

Predicted XI: Sanchez; White, Dunk, Webster; Gross, Bissouma, Lallana, Moder; Trossard, Maupay, Welbeck

How Ben White's season has gone

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He has started 31 of Brighton's 32 Premier League matches in his debut season in the top flight. A classy operator and made the step up with relative ease.

At just 23, there's plenty of time for further improvement and I'll be amazed if he's not a regular England international in the next few seasons.

Related topics:BrightonYves BissoumaGraham Potter