At a glance
- Line-ups revealed ahead of Leeds vs Brighton
- Danny Welbeck starts ahead of 200th Albion appearance
- Joel Veltman starts at right-back for the Seagulls
The line-ups are out…
Brighton travel to Elland Road on Sunday afternoon knowing anything less than victory could seriously damage their hopes of qualifying for Europe.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side head into their final away match of the 2025/26 Premier League season sitting firmly in the race for a top-eight finish, with just two matches remaining. A convincing 3-0 win over Wolves last time out reignited Brighton’s push, and the Seagulls will now aim to secure a first win at Elland Road since January 2021.
The Albion also have recent history on their side. Brighton remain unbeaten against Leeds in seven Premier League meetings, winning four and drawing three, including a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture at the Amex in November.
Hurzeler expects difficult Leeds test
Speaking ahead of the match, Hurzeler said he expects one of Brighton’s toughest away tests of the campaign despite Leeds already securing their Premier League status.
“I’m expecting a team that is difficult to beat,” he said.
“They haven’t lost in the Premier League since March, showing they are on a really good run. Leeds have good individual quality and play with high intensity. They changed to a back five, making them a very compact but active team.”
Hurzeler added: “It’s a special atmosphere playing in their stadium with the fans behind them,” he added. However, we are going there to play our style of football and try to dominate the game.”
That confidence reflects Brighton’s recent form. Since the start of March, no Premier League side has won more matches than the Seagulls, with six victories in that period, level with Arsenal.
Brighton team news vs Leeds
Brighton will be without Kaoru Mitoma for the final two games of the season after the winger suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Wolves.
Hurzeler confirmed the setback is a significant blow.
“It’s definitely a big blow because we know how important a player like Kaoru is for us,” he said.
There is better news elsewhere. Mats Wieffer could return after missing the Wolves match with an ankle issue, while Diego Gomez is expected to be available again after recovering from a knee problem.
READ MORE: Top Five Stats Ahead of Brighton vs Leeds – Read Brighton
Players who could decide the game
Jack Hinshelwood will be one to watch after scoring in each of his last three Premier League matches. No Brighton player has ever scored in four consecutive Premier League games, but the academy graduate has thrived in his more advanced midfield role under Hurzeler.
Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck is set to make his 200th appearance for the club if selected. The 35-year-old has scored 13 league goals this season and opened the scoring when these sides met earlier this campaign.
With Leeds unbeaten in seven league games themselves and Brighton still dreaming of Europe, Sunday’s clash at Elland Road is set up to be a superb contest.
Follow all the latest Brighton & Hove Albion news through Read Brighton.
