It’s a quick turnaround for both Brighton and Leeds this week, as they prepare to do battle at the AMEX Stadium on Friday night. The Championship rivals had high-profile Carling Cup ties in midweek and physical recovery – or the resultant fatigue – could prove key in this clash (Brighton 21/20, draw 12/5, Leeds 13/5 – Match Betting).
The home side put in a good showing against Liverpool on Wednesday, but were eventually beaten 2-1 and Gus Poyet, a former Leeds assistant manager, is now looking to avoid three defeats in a week. The Seagulls slipped out of the top two last weekend, with a 1-0 defeat at Leicester – their first league defeat of the season.
Brighton have won two and drawn one of the three Championship games so far in their new stadium, which has already created an intimidating atmosphere. But the test comes now, with expectations rising on the south coast and it looks like goals might be an issue.
Poyet’s side have scored three in their last three league games, with just one coming from a striker – Ashley Barnes’ lone strike at Bristol City. Summer signing Craig Mackail-Smith (5/1 First Goalscorer) is still their main goal threat, but he has got just two league goals to his name and hasn’t scored in the Championship since mid-August.
The home side will miss key man Will Buckley through injury, while the manager will also make a late check on new Spanish capture Vicente after his run-out as a substitute against Liverpool. Defender Marcos Painter is back in contention after suspension, while Will Hoskins is back after a hip problem.
Leeds (8/1 Promotion Betting) appear to have turned the corner after a tricky start to the season, although how they respond to Tuesday’s comfortable defeat to Manchester United remains to be seen.
Simon Grayson’s men are going for a third league win in a row, but their first away from Elland Road.
The Whites’ resurgence looks to have coincided with the return to fitness of Luciano Becchio (15/8 To Score At Anytime), who could form a successful partnership with the in-form Ross McCormack. The loan capture of Danny Pugh from Stoke could also have a big impact in the middle of the park.
Leeds’ major problem, however, has come at the back, with Grayson’s side already conceding 12 goals in seven games. The return from suspension of Patrick Kisnorbo will strengthen the manager’s options, as the Yorkshire outfit look to extend a six-game unbeaten run against the Seagulls – which includes wins in their last three trips to Brighton.
The extra day of rest may yet prove crucial, with Leeds certainly capable of taking at least a point from the AMEX – if they can stop the threat of Mackail-Smith.
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