'Thumped', 'Capitulating' - Chris Sutton and Paul Merson agree on Leeds United vs Brighton predictions
Leeds United welcome Brighton to Elland Road for their final home Premier League game of the season this afternoon.
Chris Sutton expects Leeds United to give a better account of themselves against Brighton compared to November's defeat on the south coast.
Leeds were at their collective nadir around the time of their 3-0 defeat at the Amex Stadium on November 1. That was a third loss in four for Daniel Farke’s side which was followed by three more as pressure ramped up on the Whites boss.
But a change of formation at Manchester City is now seen as season-defining and since then, Leeds have lost just four of their last 23 top-flight matches. The Whites are now safe but won’t be rolling over for Brighton in their final home game of the season.
In his predictions column for BBC Sport, Sutton wrote: “A lot has changed about Leeds since they got thumped by Brighton at Amex Stadium in November. This will be a lot closer, and because of that it is also a lot harder to call.
“I've been getting my Brighton predictions wrong for most of the season and I am not exactly confident that this will be the week when that changes. I was tempted to back the Seagulls here because they are in good form and can still make sixth spot, but Leeds are playing well too and they were unlucky not to beat Tottenham on Monday. Sutton's prediction: 1-1.”
Paul Merson’s Leeds United vs Brighton prediction
It’s a good thing Leeds are mathematically safe, too, with injuries piling up. Farke labelled it the ‘most difficult’ period of the season for fitness issues with as many as seven first-team players set to miss this afternoon’s clash.
Visitors Brighton know a win at Elland Road could lift them above Bournemouth and into sixth, which could be enough for a Champions League place. But like Sutton, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson doesn’t expect the Seagulls to have it easy.
“This is a difficult fixture for Brighton because it is Leeds' last home game of the season,” he told Sportskeeda. “I can't see Leeds capitulating at home in what has been a remarkable campaign. They will be up for the fight and can cause problems to Brighton.
“Brighton may be seventh, but they still have a chance of being in the Champions League next season. If Aston Villa lose and Brighton win their respective last two matches in the Premier League, the Seagulls could finish above Villa, who are now fifth!
“It's a crazy scenario if Brighton qualify for Champions League from here but it's not impossible. I'm expecting a draw here, there will be goals in this one. Prediction: Leeds United 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion.”