Leeds have been tipped to struggle against Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Saturday.

Confidence is high around Elland Road after a win over West Ham last time out, which put Leeds on 11 points from nine games – no promoted side in the last ten seasons have gone down after such a start.

Having said that, Brighton are something of a bogey team for the Whites – Daniel Farke would even become the first Leeds boss ever to beat the Seagulls in the Premier League if he can oversee victory this weekend.

Paul Merson – however – is not backing the German to achieve this feat.

Paul Merson tips Brighton to beat Leeds United 2-0

The man who made 280 Premier League appearances has sided with the Seagulls when writing his prediction for Sportskeeda – mainly due to the fact they have home advantage.

Merson stated: “Brighton are a funny team. They were a bit unlucky against Manchester United last weekend. On another day, they may have got something out of that game but it wasn’t meant to be. Brighton are very inconsistent and being knocked out of the cup by Arsenal in midweek wasn’t ideal either.

“Leeds have impressed me so far this season. That win against West Ham last weekend will give them a huge boost, but I just feel Brighton will win this game since they’re at home. Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 Leeds United.”

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Some Leeds fans might disagree, but you can see why Merson is backing Brighton – who also have Peter Crouch’s support – given their historical dominance in this Premier League fixture.

Leeds did manage to claim a point last time out in the Premier League against Brighton – back in March 2023 under Javi Gracia – Illan Meslier, Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison are the only survivors from the starting XI that day.

Georginio Rutter – who Brighton paid £40m to sign in August 2024 – was also on the bench that day.

Leeds must adopt the same level of urgency seen against West Ham

Leeds were 2-0 up after just 15 minutes last time out in the Premier League as West Ham were truly put to the sword at Elland Road.

Contrastingly, Brighton were the victims of a speedy start by Manchester United in their last Premier League fixture, finding themselves 2-0 down after 34 minutes at Old Trafford.

Manchester United are nothing special nowadays, so if Ruben Amorim can catch Brighton off guard with a quick start, so too can Farke.