Paul Merson has predicted in SportsKeeda that Javi Gracia’s Leeds United will lose against Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland road in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds will take on Brighton at home in the league in a few hours’ time.
Javi Gracia’s side are 17th in the Premier League table at the moment with 22 points from 25 matches.
Leeds are level on points with third-from-bottom Everton, who have played 26 games.
Meanwhile, Brighton currently find themselves eighth in the Premier League table with 38 points from 23 matches.
Roberto De Zerbi’s team are seven points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who are currently fourth in the standings and occupy the final UEFA Champions League spot.
Now, while Brighton are unlikely to end up in the top four, they could finish in the UEFA Europa League spots.
As for Leeds, there is a very good chance that they could get relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.
Former Arsenal star and Sky Sports pundit Merson has said that he would be shocked if Leeds get anything from the game against Brighton.
BBC Sport pundit and former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has also backed the Seagulls to win.
Paul Merson and Chris Sutton predict Leeds United vs Brighton and Hove Albion
Merson wrote: “It’s a massive game for Leeds United. They’re playing okay but they keep losing matches. Sometimes teams play poorly and get beaten. This Leeds team is playing alright but they’re still getting beaten and that would worry me if I was their fan.
“Brighton are a very good team and they are playing really good football. Even when they got beaten by Fulham a few weeks ago, they dominated the game. I’d be shocked if Brighton don’t get the win here against Leeds.
“Prediction: Leeds United 0-3 Brighton & Hove Albion.”
Sutton wrote on BBC Sport: “Leeds are pretty similar to Everton in that really they need to win their home games to give themselves a chance of staying up, and also because they don’t carry much of an attacking threat.
“In fact, Leeds have scored only one goal in their past five games in the league and FA Cup, which is why they are in so much trouble.
“They are absolutely desperate for a win here but their problem is that they are facing a Brighton side who are not fazed by anyone.
“The Seagulls open teams up and play with a wonderful freedom – they have clicked so many times already this season that they actually have a good chance of making the top four. They don’t seem to fear anyone.
“Leeds will have the backing of the Elland Road crowd, but they are going to have to show great intensity just to keep this one close.
“Sutton’s prediction: 1-2.”
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