LEEDS take on Brighton on Saturday in the Premier League. Marcus Ally (@Marcus_Ally_4) oversees the encounter.
Leeds vs Brighton | Saturday 16th January 2021, 15:00 | Sky Sports
A Leeds side reeling off the back of a 3-0 defeat away to Crawley of League Two in the FA Cup host Brighton and will be looking to bounce back. Graham Potter’s Seagulls needed penalties to get past Newport County also of League Two with the cup competition once again showcasing the undeniable strength and quality of the English Football League.
The Whites come in as fairly strong favourites despite the visitors outstanding sustained process so far this season, Brighton are just three points above the relegation zone with Fulham immediately below them having two games in hand. It is worrying times for the visitors, but I for one still fully expect them to stay up.
Process
We have seen an overwhelming underperformance by the Seagulls who rank fifth in the division for expected goals compared to 17th. They have scored just 21 from 27.5 expected and conceded 29 from 24.1 expected, their form will turn around at some point if they can sustain those numbers, it is just a matter of whether it will turn around in time to take them clear of the relegation picture.
Leeds have also slightly underperformed and have caught the eye in the entertainment of their fixtures so far this term. They have a top six attack and a bottom three defence, so it does make for good viewing.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have scored 30 from 30.5 expected goals, ranking fourth for that metric and conceded 33 from 34.4 expected goals, sitting 19th for both measures. They must improve defensively if they are to gain any consistency, but going forward they look excellent, a country mile the best promoted team in the division.
The betting angle
Definitely goals for me, both sides creating plenty of chances and particularly Leeds are leaky at the back. If Brighton have their shooting boots they have more than enough to take all three points.
- Leeds have scored in seven of 10.
- Leeds have conceded in six of 10.
- Leeds have seen both teams score in four of 10.
- Leeds have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of 10.
- Brighton have scored in six of 10.
- Brighton have conceded in nine of 10.
- Brighton have seen both teams score in six of 10.
- Brighton have seen over 2.5 goals in four of 10.
I am looking forward to this one, both sides like to get the ball down and play, prioritising attack. Expect Bielsa to get a reaction after their poor performance in the cup but if Brighton can be clinical for once they are right in with a shout.
Best Bets
Leeds v Brighton – Both Teams To Score and Over 2.5 Goals (7/5 Bet365)
Leeds v Brighton – Brighton Draw No Bet (17/10 888)
