7M - 2026/5/17 22:00 Premier League Preview: Leeds vs Brighton - prediction, team news, lineups

Elland Road sets the stage for a compelling Round 37 encounter this Sunday as Leeds United host Brighton & Hove Albion. With the hosts aiming to solidify their mid-table security and the Seagulls chasing European qualification, both sides enter the penultimate weekend of the season with plenty to play for.

Match Overview

Brighton & Hove Albion, led by Fabian Hürzeler, travel to Yorkshire sitting 7th in the Premier League with 53 points. Their consistent campaign has them firmly in the hunt for a European spot. Leeds United, currently 14th, have undergone a late-season resurgence, accumulating 48 goals so far and moving clear of the relegation scrap. While Brighton dominated the reverse fixture with a -0 win back in November, Leeds' recent form at Elland Road suggests a much tighter contest this time around.

Form and Tactical Highlights

Leeds United: The Whites have been difficult to beat in recent weeks, recording two wins and two draws in their last five outings (DWDWW form). The tactical focus remains on aggressive midfield progression, spearheaded by Brenden Aaronson, who has recorded 5 assists and 80 dribble attempts this season. The arrival of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has provided a much-needed focal point for an attack that has been lively at home, scoring 28 goals in 18 matches.

Brighton: The Seagulls arrive with high confidence (WLWDW form) and a clear tactical identity under Hürzeler's 4-2-3-1 system. Danny Welbeck leads the line with 13 goals, supported by a creative cast including Kaoru Mitoma and Pascal Groß. Brighton's defensive stability has been a hallmark of their season, keeping 10 clean sheets and conceding only 42 goals in 36 matches. However, their away record (5 wins in 18) indicates they are often vulnerable on the road.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Leeds United: Management faces several defensive concerns. Noah Okafor (calf) and Ilia Gruev (meniscus) are officially ruled out. Pascal Struijk (hip) and Gabriel Gudmundsson (hamstring) remain doubtful, though Struijk is fighting to be fit for the home finale.

Predicted Lineup (3-5-2): Darlow; Bijol, Rodon, Struijk; Stach, Tanaka, James, Ampadu, Justin; Aaronson, Calvert-Lewin.

Brighton: The visitors have their own injury list to manage. Mats Wieffer and Diego Gómez (who scored twice in the reverse fixture) are both carrying knocks and face late fitness tests. Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster are long-term absentees.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Kadıoğlu, van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Mitoma, Groß, Minteh; Welbeck.

Fixture Pressure

For Brighton, this is a must-win game to maintain their lead over the chasing pack for the final European places. Leeds, while safe, are playing for pride and a top-half finish, looking to avenge their heavy defeat earlier in the season. With Elland Road expected to be at full voice for the final home game, the atmospheric pressure will be immense.

Prediction: Leeds 1-1 Brighton

While Brighton's tactical discipline and superior league position make them slight favorites, Leeds' improved defensive resilience and home advantage cannot be ignored. A high-energy encounter is expected, with both teams likely to find the net.