Leeds United Predicted XI vs Brighton: Daniel Farke Set to Unleash Exciting New Signing

Leeds United head to Brighton on Saturday with Daniel Farke’s side still unbeaten in the Premier League this season, but the German manager could make some important changes to his starting XI.

The Whites have taken four points from their opening two league matches and also progressed into the third round of the League Cup. They will now face a much tougher test at the Amex, with Brighton expected to put plenty of pressure on the Leeds defence.

One of the biggest talking points before the match is the possible inclusion of deadline-day signing Jean-Mattéo Bahoya.

Leeds completed a late move for the young French attacker from Eintracht Frankfurt, bringing him in on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Unlike many deadline-day deals, Farke has already watched the player closely and believes he can make an impact.

Bahoya is also fit and available for selection, meaning nothing is stopping the manager from putting him straight into the team.

The potential debut could be particularly interesting because Leeds have not received enough from some of their attacking options in the early weeks of the campaign.

Predicted Leeds United XI vs Brighton

Jean-Mattéo Bahoya could make Leeds debut

The biggest selection question concerns Bahoya.

Leeds decided to strengthen their attacking options late in the transfer window and saw enough in the Frenchman to make him part of their plans. Farke has already explained that Bahoya was not a rushed deadline-day decision, as the club had been tracking him before making the move.

That is important because Farke has previously made it clear that he does not like making major signings at the last possible moment.

In Bahoya’s case, however, the situation was different. Leeds had already followed his progress and had enough information about his ability before completing the agreement.

The 20-year-old’s availability could give Farke another option in the positions behind Calvert-Lewin.

Leeds have used several players in those attacking roles during the opening matches, including Brenden Aaronson, Noah Okafor, Harry Wilson and Sean Longstaff. However, the group has not produced enough goal involvement so far, with Longstaff’s League Cup assist the only assist among them and no goals recorded.

That could open the door for Bahoya.

Daniel James is also expected to be considered for a starting position. If Farke selects James and Bahoya alongside Calvert-Lewin, Leeds would have a front three with serious pace.

That could be useful against Brighton, especially if the hosts push their defensive line forward.

Joe Rodon injury forces defensive change

Farke will also have to change his defence because Joe Rodon is facing a lengthy absence.

The Wales international suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to miss around eight to ten weeks. Farke has also admitted that Rodon may not be ready immediately after the next international break, which makes the injury a major blow for Leeds.

Rodon has been an important part of the side, so replacing him will not be straightforward.

Nico Elvedi is therefore expected to come into the starting XI, with Jaka Bijol and Tarik Muharemović potentially keeping their places.

Muharemović has been one of the strongest performers for Leeds during the early part of the campaign. His defensive numbers have been particularly impressive, with 16 clearances, four blocks, four interceptions and two tackles from his first two Premier League appearances.

James Trafford has also made a strong start since arriving at Leeds. The goalkeeper has conceded only once across his first three competitive appearances, giving Farke confidence that the defensive unit can cope with Brighton’s attacking threat.

Stach and Ampadu expected to keep their places

In midfield, Farke is unlikely to make too many changes.

Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu have provided the balance in the centre of the pitch, allowing Leeds to play with more freedom in the attacking areas.

Stach has already shown his value at both ends of the pitch. He has scored once and has also produced seven tackles, six interceptions and 10 clearances in the early Premier League action.

His physical presence could be especially important against Brighton, who are expected to dominate possession for long periods.

Ampadu, meanwhile, offers the discipline needed to protect the defence and help Leeds transition quickly when they win the ball.

Jayden Bogle should continue at right wing-back, while James Justin is expected to operate on the opposite side.

Justin’s ability to contribute both defensively and in possession makes him an important part of Farke’s system.

Calvert-Lewin leads the line

Dominic Calvert-Lewin should keep his place at the top of the attack after opening his Leeds scoring account against Brentford.

The striker will be hoping to build on that goal at Brighton, although Leeds need to create more chances for him.

The former Everton forward has not always been given enough service during the opening matches, and that is where Bahoya and James could make a difference.

Both players can carry the ball at speed and attack spaces behind defenders. If Leeds can win possession in midfield, Farke may want his wide attackers to move forward quickly and give Calvert-Lewin more support.

Brighton will be a difficult opponent, though. Their attacking style means Leeds are unlikely to have everything their own way, and Trafford and the defence could be tested regularly.

For Farke, the main challenge will be finding the right balance between protecting the backline and giving his new attacking options enough freedom.

A starting role for Bahoya would certainly add another dimension to the Leeds attack.

The Frenchman’s potential debut, combined with James’ pace and Calvert-Lewin’s physical presence, could give Farke a very different attacking threat at the Amex.

With Leeds unbeaten in the league and looking to build momentum, Saturday’s trip to Brighton could provide an early test of how much progress Farke’s new-look squad has really made.

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