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Friday 26 July 2013

Leeds United vs Brighton - Sky Bet Championship Preview

It's finally here, tomorrow marks the start of the 2013/14 Sky Bet Championship and we start off with Oscar Garcia's Brighton. After ex Leeds United assistant Gus Poyet got sacked live on tv. The ex Barcelona youth coach became their new manager. At this point I would talk about league positions but this is pointless because both teams have no points and no goal difference as well as the other 22 teams in the league. I like many other Leeds fans have been eagerly waiting for the new season to get underway amist new hopes that we would finally gain promotion back to the Premier League where ultimately the club belong.

So what are the expectations for the new campaign. Leeds still look like they need one player to complete the squad, a squad which would then be capable of fighting for promotion. After finishing 4th last season, Brighton will be hoping to improve and gain promotion to the Premier League. Looking at the odds Brighton are 16/1 to win the league with Leeds at 22/1, promotion wise Brighton are 9/2 with Leeds at 7/1. For top six Brighton are 6/4 and Leeds at 11/4.

It hasn't been that long since the sides last met. A nine man Leeds gave Brighton a good fight and only just lost 2-1 on the penultimate day of last season. Nine men due to two unfair sendings off to Austin and Diouf. Lets hope it's not the same ref again.

As for the team news, there is not much to comment on really. Sam Byram will not be playing due to an hip injury whilst Rudy Austin and El-Hadji Diouf are suspended after being sent off against the gulls on the penultimate game of the season. 

The only injury news for Brighton is that Craig Mackail-Smith could be out until September with an ankle injury.

My prediction is a 2-1 win for Leeds, out squad may not be complete but Brighton's is unsettled with a new manager so Leeds should be able to pull through. A post match review will be up on Sunday, you can keep up to date with this blog @LUFCWorld and follow me on twitter @AJWoodward29