Brighton V Leeds at Amex Stadium : Match Preview


Mixed news for Seagulls Marcos Painter returns to the Brighton squad but Will Buckley misses the visit of Leeds. Painter sat out Wednesday night's 2-1 Carling Cup defeat by Liverpool through suspension and will hope to reclaim his place at left-back even though Romain Vincelot impressed in his absence. But striker Buckley is sidelined after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury against the Reds. Boss Gus Poyet rested Lewis Dunk, Gary Dicker and Ryan Harley with the Leeds clash in mind so they should return while top scorer Ashley Barnes, who netted a late penalty after coming on as a substitute, is expected to start. Will Hoskins could make the bench after a hip injury but Tommy Elphick (Achilles) and Adam El-Abd (foot) are still out. Leeds will include latest recruit Danny Pugh in their squad for the televised clash. The 28-year-old left-sided player has rejoined the club for a second spell from Stoke on an initial loan with a view to signing permanently in January. Manager Simon Grayson may opt to throw Pugh straight into his starting line-up - either at left-back or in midfield - while he is expected to hand striker Luciano Becchio his first start of the season following the Argentinian's recovery from a hamstring injury. Grayson withdrew Becchio, leading goalscorer Ross McCormack and Andy Keogh from the midweek Carling Cup defeat to Manchester United and hinted all three will start at the Amex Stadium. Central defender Paddy Kisnorbo is also available after serving his one-game ban and Grayson must decide whether to recall the Australia international or stick with Leigh Bromby alongside Darren O'Dea.