Leeds Utd v Brighton Match thread
Saturday 11th March@15:00hrs | 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 faces a race against time to be fit for Saturday. The 29yo picked up a knock which kept him sidelined against Fulham and Chelsea, but is said to be making good progress. Gracia will be keen to give Rutter a striking partner, so not to isolate the Frenchman up front. Alternatively, Sonny Perkins or Mateo Joseph may get their first league start of the season. Perkins (and Gyabi) were especially impressive during Monday nights 3-0 win for the U21's over bottom of the table Derby County.
Rodrigo (ankle), Dallas (leg), Sinisterra (thigh), Cooper (muscular), and of course Forshaw are all ruled out for the hosts. Archie Gray has been particularly impressive in training, and is expected to receive game time. 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.
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.