At a glance
- Yankuba Minteh caused major problems in Brighton’s last win over Leeds
- Lewis Dunk successfully nullified Dominic Calvert-Lewin in November
- Brighton’s aggressive press overwhelmed Leeds at the Amex
When Brighton travel to Leeds this weekend, they will do so with the memory of a dominant 3-0 win in November still fresh. That rainy afternoon at the Amex was one of Fabian Hurzeler’s most complete performances of the season.
Brighton created 3.3 expected goals, kept a clean sheet and looked dangerous from the opening whistle. With Champions League hopes still alive, there are several lessons from that reverse fixture that could shape Sunday’s meeting at Elland Road.
Why Minteh Could Hurt Leeds Again
The biggest takeaway from the previous meeting was how much trouble Yankuba Minteh caused down the right.
Leeds had no answer to his direct running. Time and again, Minteh isolated his full-back, drove into the final third and created overloads. While he did not score, he played a major role in Brighton’s attacking flow. His pace and quick feet stretched Leeds repeatedly, opening space for others to exploit.
That matters even more now. Minteh comes into this game off the back of another strong performance against Wolves, where he scored in the 3-0 win. If Leeds leave similar spaces in wide areas, Brighton already know where the route to goal may come from.
How Brighton Stopped Leeds in November
Another major lesson came in defence. Lewis Dunk completely nullified Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the reverse fixture. Leeds often use the striker as a focal point, relying on him to win aerial duels, hold the ball up and bring runners into play. The Englishman is enjoying a strong goalscoring season, scoring 13 in the Premier League in 2025/26.
Brighton prevented that threat almost entirely back in November. Calvert-Lewin had just one touch in the opposition penalty area all game and struggled to make the ball stick when it went long. Dunk read the deliveries early, won the aerial battles and forced Leeds to play shorter from the back.
That could be crucial again. If Brighton can disrupt that direct outlet, they will likely force Leeds into playing through the press and that is where Hurzeler’s side thrives.
READ MORE: Could Diego Coppola Break Through at Brighton Next Season? – Read Brighton
Brighton’s Pressing Blueprint for Elland Road
The third key lesson was Brighton’s aggressive pressing. The Seagulls pressed high with intensity in November, with Minteh, Danny Welbeck and Georginio Rutter consistently forcing errors in dangerous areas. Leeds looked uncomfortable trying to play out, and Brighton’s first goal came from exactly that momentum.
That same approach could be decisive at Elland Road. Leeds drew 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, while Brighton come into the game after a convincing win over Wolves. Momentum is with Hurzeler’s side.
The reverse fixture showed Brighton can dominate this matchup when they press aggressively, use Minteh’s directness and contain Calvert-Lewin. Repeating those three things could go a long way to deciding Sunday’s result.
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