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Brighton v Leeds preview: What time is kick-off, and where can I watch it?

Pontus Jansson of Leeds United celebrates after the game (Reuters)
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Two in-form Championship sides meet on the south coast on Friday evening – here is all you need to know ahead of the clash.

Having missed the opportunity to go top last weekend after being held at Cardiff, Brighton have another chance to force their way to the Championship summit on Friday night.

Chris Hughton’s side will go two points clear of Newcastle with a win at the Amex, but they face a tough test against a Leeds side who are gathering momentum.

Saturday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa had Elland Road rocking and lifted Leeds to fourth, their highest league position since August 2013. They have lost just once in eight games ahead of their long trip south, a run that has their fans daring to dream after years in the wilderness.

Chris Wood (R) celebrates after scoring the second goal for Leeds UnitedChris Wood (R) celebrates after scoring Leeds’ second against Aston Villa

The Key Battle – Glenn Murray vs Pontus Jansson

Murray is enjoying his second spell with the Seagulls and has scored 11 Championship goals this season, all of which have been at the Amex.

Trying to stop him him adding to his tally on Friday will be Leeds’ star summer signing Jansson, who has formed a formidable defensive partnership with Kyle Bartley and established himself as a real fans favourite since his arrival on loan from Torino.

Brighton's Glenn Murray scores their first goalBrighton’s Glenn Murray fires home

Last Meeting:

Leeds fans will not remember February’s trip to Brighton with any fondness. A beleaguered United were 4-0 down by half-time, and though they were spared any further punishment in the second half it remained a particular low point of a disappointing season.

Overall, Brighton have won 15 of these fixtures, Leeds have emerged victorious on 17 occasions and there have been 11 draws.

Leeds' Souleymane Doukara and Brighton's Lewis DunkLeeds’ Souleymane Doukara and Brighton’s Lewis Dunk

Recent league form – most recent last:

Brighton – WWWDWD

Leeds – WWWLWW

Who’s the ref?

Paul Tierney will be in charge on the south coast.

Tierney has taken control of matches across all four professional divisions so far this season – including Leeds’ early season defeat at home to Birmingham – and shown 49 yellow cards and one red in the process.

General view of The Amex Community Stadium  before the gameGeneral view of The Amex Community Stadium before the game

What time is kick off?

The match begins at 7.45pm on Friday evening.

Where can I watch it?

Sky Sports 1 are broadcasting live from the Amex, with their build-up starting at 7pm.

Odds

Brighton – 17/20

Draw – 12/5

Leeds – 100/30