At a glance
- Brighton are among the Premier League’s form teams since March
- Leeds are unbeaten in seven league matches at a key stage
- Jack Hinshelwood is chasing a Brighton scoring record
Brighton & Hove Albion travel to Leeds United on Sunday knowing victory could prove crucial in the race for European football.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side have hit form at the right time, but Elland Road has often been a difficult venue for Brighton. Ahead of the final away trip of the campaign, here are five standout stats that could shape the contest.
Brighton are one of the Premier League’s form teams
Since the start of March, Brighton have won six Premier League matches, a tally only matched by Arsenal. That upturn has completely transformed the Seagulls’ season.
A difficult winter period briefly threatened to derail hopes of a return to Europe, but Hurzeler’s side have rediscovered momentum at exactly the right time. They have won three of their last five matches, scoring 11 goals in that run, and the recent 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers underlined just how dangerous they can be when their attacking structure clicks.
It also means Leeds may be facing Brighton at the worst possible time. The Seagulls were in strong form when they won the reverse fixture in November and arrive in Yorkshire on another upward curve.
READ MORE: How will Kaoru Mitoma’s injury impact Brighton’s European charge? – Read Brighton
Leeds are unbeaten in seven league matches
Leeds have not lost in their last seven Premier League games, winning three and drawing four.
It is their longest unbeaten run in the top flight since 2001 and has been the key reason they secured survival before the final two games of the season. Daniel Farke’s side are now effectively playing without the pressure of relegation, which can often make them more dangerous, particularly at Elland Road.
Their recent home form has also improved sharply. Leeds beat Wolves 3-0 and Burnley 3-1 in their last two home league matches, showing renewed confidence in the final third. Brighton may be chasing Europe, but the hosts come into the game in strong shape themselves.
Brighton are unbeaten against Leeds in the Premier League
Brighton have never lost to Leeds in the Premier League, winning four and drawing three of the seven meetings between the clubs.
The Seagulls have generally looked comfortable in this fixture, including a 3-0 win at the Amex earlier this season and a 1-0 victory in the 2022/23 campaign. Their last defeat to Leeds in any league match came back in March 2017, when Chris Wood scored twice in a Championship clash at Elland Road.
That record suggests Brighton know how to handle this opponent, although away wins have been harder to come by. Albion are still searching for a first victory at Elland Road since January 2021.
Jack Hinshelwood is chasing club history
Jack Hinshelwood has scored in each of his last three Premier League appearances and is now one game away from making Brighton history.
No player in the club’s Premier League era has ever scored in four consecutive matches. The 20-year-old has thrived in his more advanced midfield role under Hurzeler, often arriving late in the box and making runs beyond the striker.
His versatility has always stood out, but recent weeks have shown another side to his game. With three goals in three matches, Hinshelwood has become an unexpected attacking weapon during the run-in and could be crucial again against a Leeds side that often leaves space between midfield and defence.
Danny Welbeck is enjoying his best scoring season
Danny Welbeck has scored 13 Premier League goals this season, the best return of his top-flight career.
At 35, the striker is enjoying a remarkable late-career resurgence and remains Brighton’s focal point in attack. His 13 goals have come from an xG of 9.18, suggesting he is finishing at an exceptionally high level, while his movement and pressing continue to set the tone for Hurzeler’s front line.
Welbeck also scored in the reverse fixture against Leeds in November, opening the scoring inside 11 minutes. With Brighton needing a big performance in one of their biggest games of the season, they will again look to the veteran forward to lead the line.
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