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Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds Utd
Saturday 1st November@15:00 | Amex Stadium
Leeds United make the trip to the south coast this weekend looking to overcome torrid recent history as they go up against a Brighton side battling a crippling injury list. The Whites have rarely enjoyed their visits to the Amex Stadium, where their struggles have become something of a hoodoo. Brighton have remarkably kept a clean sheet in each of their last seven home league meetings with Leeds, the longest run without conceding to any opponent in their history.
The Whites have never gone eight consecutive away league games without scoring against any team; a record they are desperate to avoid extending when they step out by the seaside. Daniel Farke’s men head into the fixture buoyed by some encouraging fitness updates. The Leeds boss has confirmed positive news regarding Willy Gnonto who could finally return to the squad after 5 games out.
Gabriel Gudmundsson remains a slight doubt after picking up a knock in the 2–1 win over West Ham United, yet Farke is hopeful his left-back will be available following a late fitness test. Should he not make it, James Justin is expected to step in. The return of captain Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, and winger Noah Okafor from illness and injury last weekend also adds depth to Farke’s options as Leeds look to build momentum in their Premier League campaign.
Brighton, by contrast, are facing mounting injury concerns at a crucial stage of the season. Fabian Hürzeler side fell 2–0 at Arsenal on Wednesday night in the League Cup on the back of a 4-2 drubbing at Old Trafford last weekend, and will have to regroup quickly for their second match in less than 72 hours. The Seagulls are without Solly March, a player who has caused Leeds problems in the past, as well as defender Adam Webster and England U21 defender Jack Hinshelwood.
Kaoru Mitoma, Joel Veltman, and Brajan Gruda are all doubtful, leaving De Zerbi with major selection headaches. One player who will definitely feature is Georginio Rutter, the former Leeds star now settled on the south coast. His performance, and the reception he receives, will be intriguing subplots in a fixture already rich in narrative.
