Leeds United return to Elland Road this weekend to take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League. Roberto De Zerbi’s side are flying high and travel with plenty of confidence after thrashing West Ham United 4-0 last weekend, but Leeds will be looking for a much improved performance in the hope they can move away from the bottom three.
Ahead of the clash we spoke to Sussex Live’s Brighton reporter Richie Mills to get the lowdown on the Seagulls.
Brighton look to be flying under Roberto De Zerbi, could fans have asked for much more this season?
Nope! Roberto De Zerbi has built on the very strong foundations left by Graham Potter and has improved them in terms of creating big chances, shot conversion, and they are the top team in the division for possession. Jamie Carragher said they are playing like a "top team" and ahead of the trip to Leeds United they are feeling very confident and are chasing a European dream.
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Just how far can this side go, is Europe a realistic target?
Earlier this season, De Zerbi said Brighton were at 60% of their capacity. They are definitely above that now and are scoring goals from all areas of the pitch. Tottenham seem unconvincing at times, Newcastle United are not in the form they once were, Chelsea are out of sorts, and Fulham have overperformed in terms of Expected Points and goals - therefore, Brighton have a massive chance to take advantage.
This run of games coming up, including a home game against Brentford, will be huge in shaping their season. But the way they are playing, a top seven spot is within their grasp. It's just whether they can grind out some results when they are not playing well and keeping their key players fit is a must.
Brighton nearly went out of the Football League just over 25 years ago. To think they are now fighting for European football is a stunning turnaround.
What’s surprised you most about Brighton this season?
How they can keep on bouncing back from losing top players and somehow doing even better.
Selling Marc Cucurella, their player of the season last year, and finding an excellent replacement in Pervis Estupinan has been remarkable. They also sold Yves Bissouma, who was arguably their best player over the past three seasons, and Moises Caicedo has filled that gaping hole with ease.
They also sold Neal Maupay, who was consistently their top scorer or joint top scorer, and they are flying without him. It was a blow to lose Leandro Trossard in January but he wasn't giving his all for the team and Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March and others have stepped up.
Brighton’s goals seem to be shared out amongst the team, but who would you say is the danger man this weekend?
Kaoru Mitoma. The Japanese international has been on fire in recent months. His pace and dribbling ability has wreaked havoc on many defences and he is now their top scorer this season in all competitions. If you can keep him at arm's length, you improve your chances of winning tenfold - but that is easier said than done!
Is there a clear weakness within this side that Leeds can exploit?
It's hard to think of a clear weakness at present. Sometimes they can be hit on the counter attack, as Fulham illustrated in expert fashion, but they are just a very solid, cohesive unit right now. Some teams have had joy by sitting back, getting men behind the ball, and frustrating Brighton, something Nottingham Forest did earlier on in De Zerbi's tenure and Crystal Palace did recently.
If you want to stop their passing game out from the back, you're pressing has to be so aggressive and accurate, like Arsenal showed at the Amex in a 4-2 win in December. But you run the risk of being outnumbered if they beat the press.
How will Brighton line-up and how do you see the game going?
Under De Zerbi they have played with four at the back, three midfielders, and then two wingers either side of a striker.
The question marks revolve around whether or not Tariq Lamptey will be fit after coming off injured against West Ham. If so, he could start at right-back and his pace could give Junior Firpo all sorts of problems, as he did at the Amex last season. But, if not, the more defensive-minded Joel Veltman may start there. Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, and Pervis Estupinan will complete the back four, and ahead of them will be the confident trio of Moises Caicedo, Pascal Gross, and World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.
Evan Ferguson, 18, is likely to lead the attack, although Danny Welbeck is pushing for a recall after scoring against West Ham. Kaoru Mitoma and Solly March will start on the wings, barring any injuries, and Jason Steele is likely to start in goal after replacing Robert Sanchez last time out.
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