• Home
  • Soccer
  • Brighton vs Leeds: Success for Seagulls can solidify safety

Brighton vs Leeds: Success for Seagulls can solidify safety

Brighton can take a huge step towards Premier League survival if they complete a season double over Leeds United this weekend.

When: Saturday, May 1, 15:00 GMT

How to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best bets

Both teams to score and Leeds to win at 5/1 (Sky Bet)

Brighton to score 1+ goals, Brighton 5+ corners and 2+ Leeds cards at 9/4 (PaddyPower)

Leeds to win 2-1 at 10/1 (Sky Bet)

Diego Llorente scores for Leeds United against Liverpool

A major talking point of Leeds United's wondrous return to Premier League football is the fact that the Whites have scored and conceded 50 goals. Brighton, on the other hand, have conceded 39 but scored 17 fewer than Marcelo Bielsa's side.

The Seagulls were victorious in the reverse fixture at Elland Road, where they picked up three crucial points in a 1-0 win in West Yorkshire. They'll be even more determined to emulate that result in this fixture.

Marcelo Bielsa's side are undefeated in their last six games, notably taking points from Manchester CityManchester United and Liverpool. Their prospects of a top-half finish appear likelier than ever.

Bielsa and Leeds can rejoice in successful season

Leeds initially caught the attention of football fans around the globe for their fearless free-flowing style and devastating counter attacking. However, there have also been controversies including 'Spygate' and that infamous match with Aston Villa at Elland Road.

After failing to seal promotion in Bielsa's first Championship campaign as Whites boss, many pundits cited their concerns about the team's durability throughout a full season. Many pointed to a 'Bielsa burnout' and the team's lack of bottle in games where the stakes were high.
Second season under El Loco saw Leeds march on towards the league title with 93 points, ten points clear of second placed West Brom.
Upon Leeds' promotion to the Premier League, anticipation surrounding the club's performances fell into a mixed bag.
There were various questions raised surrounding their defensive capabilities, Patrick Bamford's performances in the top flight and excess fatigue resulting from the intense demands Bielsa places on his players.
Fast forward eight months and Leeds have proved their doubters wrong. Should Leeds undo their Elland Road woes from January and defeat Brighton at the Amex, their hopes of a top-ten finish can all but materialise.

Leeds United's Premier League season by numbers

League position: 9th

Played: 33

Wins: 14

Draws: 5

Losses: 14

Goals for: 50

Goals against: 50

Top scorer: Patrick Bamford (14)

Most assists: Patrick Bamford (7)

Memorable matches

Leeds United 0-1 Brighton (Premier League - January 16, 2021)

An early goal from Neal Maupay sealed the win for Brighton against an underwhelming Leeds side.
Just 17 minutes into the game, the slick, fast-moving passing from Graham Potter's side had carved Leeds open. Alex Mac Allister and Leandro Trossard worked the ball through to Neal Maupay who tapped the ball in from close range.
It was business as usual for Brighton in the second half as they came agonisingly close to doubling their lead. Leeds' lacklustre performance continued throughout the match.
A win for Brighton saw them move up to 16th whereas three consecutive losses for Leeds in all competitions left Marcelo Bielsa pondering their rocky start to football in 2021.

Leeds United 2-0 Brighton (Championship - March 18, 2017)

In a colossal clash that had major implications at the top of the Championship, a brilliant second half brace from Chris Wood stunned second placed Brighton.
Following a closely contested first half, it was Leeds who broke the deadlock, much to the delight of their euphoric home faithful.
Wrapping up a wondrous win for the Whites, the New Zealand international doubled his tally for the match by firing home a penalty.

Brighton 2-0 Leeds United (Championship - December 9, 2016)

A routine victory at the Amex, saw Brighton defeat ten-man Leeds 2-0 thanks to goals from Murray and Hemed.
Kalvin Phillips was dismissed for the Whites for handling a ball on the goalline midway through the first-half. Glenn Murray made no mistake in converting the subsequent penalty and firing the Seagulls ahead.
Despite valiant defending from the visitors, Brighton dominated large spells of the game and wrapped up the three points in the final ten minutes through another penalty, which Tomor Hemed converted.

Potter will ponder Premier League approach next season

February 3, 2021 - a euphoric occasion for Graham Potter and his Brighton side, as they beat reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in 13 meetings, creating breathing room between themselves and the relegation zone.
Since that match in Merseyside, the Seagulls have endured somewhat of a turbulent time winning just two of the twelve games in all competitions.
Impressive draws against Aston Villa, Everton and Chelsea have been tainted by disappointing losses to relegated Sheffield United and West Brom.

Graham Potter with his Brighton players

Despite only conceding 33 goals all season, the Seagulls' resolute defensive structure is often marred by their lack of potency in front of goal - an area Potter will be determined to improve this summer.
Another pivotal factor that will influence the Seagulls' success next season will be their ability to hold on to important players, no more so than Ben White and Neal Maupay.
With just five games remaining, it appears as if the Seagulls have secured their safety, and a win against Leeds will all but ensure this.

Brighton's Premier League season by numbers

With the side sitting 17th in the Premier League, Brighton's league position fails to justify the full story of their season so far. The Seagulls have only conceded 39 goals this campaign, bettering every bottom half side bar Aston Villa. It's problems in front of goal that have been their downfall.

League position: 17th

Played: 33

Wins: 7

Draws: 13

Losses: 13

Goals for: 33

Goals against: 39

Top scorer: Neal Maupay (8)

Most assists: Pascal Gross (6)

Goalscorer bets

Stuart Dallas has been instrumental in Leeds United's continued success this season with 7 Premier League goals to his name.

The Northern Irishman is priced at 14/1 to score from outside the area.

Stuart Dallas' brace helped Leeds to victory over Man City

Brighton's French forward, Neal Maupay, is the Seagulls' top scorer this season with eight goals. He is currently priced at 7/5 to score anytime.

In a season where many critics and fans alike doubted his ability in the top flight, Patrick's Bamford's impressive return of 14 goals and seven assists have propelled him into the running for a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad.

The striker is priced at 11/2 with Ladbrokes to score anytime, to have 3 or more shots, and to make 15 or more passes.

More Articles