Mark Lawrenson hints at Leeds United vulnerability and makes prediction ahead of weekend clash

Writing in his weekly predictions column for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson backed a 2-0 win for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

Expanding on his prediction, the ex-Liverpool defender claimed: "Leeds played well in the first half of their FA Cup defeat by League Two side Crawley, and if they had scored then I think they would have gone on to win comfortably.

"That's the way I think Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa will look at it, and his side had enough chances to have wrapped up the game by half-time.

"Credit to Crawley, though, because they gave Leeds a game of football - they didn't kick them, and they didn't play long-ball football - and they won. It was a great game and Crawley looked a good side."

Lawro continued: "Brighton only just escaped being on the wrong end of an FA Cup shock themselves, getting past another League Two side Newport on penalties.

"The Seagulls were decent against Manchester City on Wednesday and only lost 1-0, but it doesn't change the fact they cannot win a game at the moment. Graham Potter's side have got some good players, are well organised and well coached, and they are easy on the eye - but they don't score enough goals."

Lawro also suggested where Brighton could potential hurt the Whites, and contending: "Maybe sometimes getting the ball up the pitch quicker, before the opposition gets everyone back, might help. With the way Leeds press, playing out from the back against them probably isn't the best idea anyhow."

Meanwhile, Lawro's sparring partner for the weekend fixtures, You Me At Six drummer Dan Flint, opted for a shock 2-1 Brighton win.

The last time the two sides met, back in 2017, two goals from Chris Wood saw the Whites emerge 2-0 winners in a fiercely-fought Championship clash.

Over the course of their last ten meetings, in records stretching back to 2012, Brighton have won seven to Leeds’ two, with the points shared on just one occasion.