Fitness unknowns
Javi Gracia hasn’t exactly been forthcoming with information about his list of injured players during his time at the club, preferring to keep journalists, fans and, most importantly, the opposition guessing. However, he did reveal that both Luis Sinisterra and Rodrigo have been training this week after overcoming their respective issues and it seems they could be involved in some capacity if considered to be fit enough.
Whether they are ready to start, though, remains to be seen. The same can be said for Patrick Bamford, who dropped out of the fold last week with a minor leg knock.
The suggestion at the time was that Bamford was expected to return to action against Brighton, but Gracia said little to clear up his situation. Liam Cooper is another pushing to make a return soon. The skipper hasn’t played since Jesse Marsch’s final game in charge at the start of February, missing the last five league games.
Read more: Javi Gracia open to Wilfried Gnonto change after breaking Leeds United routine
Three in the middle?
The Whites were overrun in the middle of the park last time out against Chelsea as they struggled to prevent the likes of Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic from controlling huge chunks of the game. Weston McKennie looked lost at times, while Tyler Adams was bypassed with ease all too often.
As such, Gracia may be tempted to return to the 4-3-3 system he used at Fulham in the FA Cup, where Leeds were arguably the better side at times despite losing 2-0, and bring Marc Roca back into the starting XI. In theory that would shore things up and give McKennie the license to join the attack when able to do so.
Seagulls flying
It’s fair to say Brighton have been one of the most impressive outfits in the Premier League this season with Roberto De Zerbi taking them to the next level. They’re currently eighth in the league table, but having lost just one game since the turn of the year, they could find themselves pushing for European football before the end of the campaign.
The likes of Kaoru Mitoma, Alexis Mac Allister and Solly March have been in superb form and they’ll travel to Leeds flying high in confidence having thumped West Ham United 4-0 last weekend at the Amex Stadium. United don’t have the best record against Brighton, either.
In fact, the Whites have failed to beat the Seagulls in the Premier League, with their last win over the Sussex club coming back in 2017 while the two sides were in the Championship.
Practice makes perfect
Gracia revealed in his pre-match press conference that Leeds have trained with a focus on finishing this week with the Spaniard putting his side through a host of drills and exercises designed to boost their confidence and composure in front of goal. The head coach knows that he can only do so much at Thorp Arch and he'll learn plenty about his side when the time comes for players to step up and take responsibility.
However, he’ll be hoping the work he has done can spark a turnaround in fortunes in front of goal this weekend as the pressure continues to build at the foot of the division. Leeds have drawn a blank in five of their last seven Premier League games and that’s something they must change if they are to avoid the trap door.
What to do with Rutter?
The subject of Georginio Rutter continues to dominate Gracia’s press conferences as the club record signing struggles to settle into Premier League life. The striker enjoyed his best outing in Leeds colours last week at Fulham, seeing a goal harshly ruled out and hitting the woodwork.
However, he followed that up with a thoroughly underwhelming display at Stamford Bridge and it’s fair to say, his place in the side is now in question once more. Gracia will be determined to get the best out of the former Hoffenheim man, but whether he sticks with him against Brighton may depend on the fitness of others.
READ NEXT:
Bamford and Cooper missing, attacking answers, system changes - Leeds United's best run-in XI
Every word Javi Gracia said on Leeds United's finishing, injuries, Brighton, Rutter, Armas
Predicted Leeds United line-up vs Brighton as Roca and Gnonto decisions made
Leeds United's training ground focus outlined as Javi Gracia moves to solve pressing issue
Brighton insider hands Leeds United weakness warning as Junior Firpo prediction made
