
Saturday 11th March 3:00pm | Elland Road
Brighton face a cold Elland Road reception on Saturday afternoon, with hot lamps and under soil heating working overtime to ensure the fixture goes ahead. By comparison, their South Coast opponents are enjoying tropical conditions (by West Yorkshire standards), currently at 11 degrees. The Seagulls are flying high in the top flight, and with three points separating them from the top six, will be determined to take advantage of a Leeds team, equally desperate to cling on to Premier League survival.
Patrick Bamford faced a race against time to be fit for Saturday but will make the starting line-up. The 29 year old picked up a knock which kept him sidelined against Fulham and Chelsea, but has made good progress. Gracia will be glad to have more striking options following Georginio Rutter's lacklustre performances up frony. The Frenchman drops to the bench but is expected to make an appearance. Rodrigo also makes the bench having been out since the Accrington FA Cup game.
The bench is further strengthened with the return of Luis Sinisterra, Summerville and Harrison will start out wide though. Marc Roca returns to the midfield alongside Tyler Adams with Brenden Aaronson in the supporting role. Dallas (leg), Cooper (muscular), and of course Forshaw are all ruled out for the hosts. Pascal Struijk has been training all week, and may also play a part, though the back four of Ayling, Koch, Wober and Firpo look quite settled and will start the game.
Jakub Moder (knee), Enock Mwepu (Cardiac condition) and Adam Lallana (thigh) will all miss the trip to Elland Road, whilst defender Tariq Lamptey faces a late fitness test. Leeds have only beaten Brighton once in twelve attempts (losing nine); a 2-0 home victory in 2017, courtesy of a Chris Wood brace.
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