Leeds United

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  1. Leeds v Brighton: Team newspublished at 14:12 BST 17 May

    Leeds United XI: Darlow, Ampadu, Rodon, James, Calvert-Lewis, Aaronsen, Bijol, Stach, Tanaka, Bornauw, Justin

    Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is forced into making one change to the side that drew 1-1 at Tottenham last week.

    Injured Pascal Struijk is replaced by Sebastiaan Bornauw, who joins Jaka Bijol, Joe Rodon and James Justin in their backline.

    Leeds United XI: Darlow, Ampadu, Rodon, James, Calvert-Lewis, Aaronsen, Bijol, Stach, Tanaka, Bornauw, Justin

    Substitutes: Perri, Longstaff, Piroe, Nmecha, Byram, Gnonto, Chadwick, Cresswell, Lienou

    Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler also makes a single change from the 3-0 win against Wolves last weekend because of an injury.

    Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma, who suffered a hamstring injury, makes way for Joel Veltman.

    Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Minteh, Hinshelwood, Baleba, Welbeck, Kadioglu, De Cuyper, Gross, Veltman

    Substitutes: Steele, March, Rutter, Kostoulas, Milner, Boscagli, Gomez, Ayari, O'Riley

    Brighton XI: Verbruggen, Dunk, Van Hecke, Minteh, Hinshelwood, Baleba, Welbeck, Kadioglu, De Cuyper, Gross, Veltman
  2. Follow Sunday's Premier League games livepublished at 11:21 BST 17 May

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    There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

    Kick-offs 15:00 unless stated

    Follow all of the action and reaction here

    You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.

    Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

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  3. Sutton's predictions: Leeds United v Brighton published at 11:01 BST 17 May

    Chris Sutton smiling on a yellow and black background with 'Sutton's predictions' written below his face

    A lot has changed about Leeds since they got thumped by Brighton at Amex Stadium in November.

    This will be a lot closer, and because of that it is also a lot harder to call.

    I've been getting my Brighton predictions wrong for most of the season and I am not exactly confident that this will be the week when that changes.

    I was tempted to back the Seagulls here because they are in good form and can still make sixth spot, but Leeds are playing well too and they were unlucky not to beat Tottenham on Monday.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-1

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  4. Leeds United v Brighton & Hove Albion: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:17 BST 16 May

    Tom McCoy
    BBC Sport journalist

    BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before Sunday's match (15:00 GMT), with Leeds going in search of their first top-flight win against Brighton since 1982.

    Job done for Leeds

    Leeds can celebrate mission accomplished in their final home game of the season, with Premier League survival made mathematically certain by West Ham's defeat against Arsenal last Sunday.

    Despite achieving their goal with three games to spare, Daniel Farke's side nonetheless produced a typically committed display against Tottenham on Monday.

    Dominic Calvert-Lewin's second-half penalty earned the Whites a 1-1 draw, extending their unbeaten run to seven league matches, and it could have been even better – Sean Longstaff was denied a late winner by a brilliant reflex save from Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

    A strong end to the campaign could still see Leeds finish in midtable – theoretically even inside the top half – but there is additional motivation for Calvert-Lewin, who is pressing his claims for a place in England's World Cup squad.

    The 29-year-old has scored in back-to-back appearances, taking his tally to 13 top-flight goals for the season, the joint-second highest total of his career.

    A chart showing Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Premier League goals total by season. His haul of 13 this season is the joint-second best of his career, bettered only by 16 for Everton in 2020-21

    Sixth place in sight for Seagulls

    With Bournemouth not in action until Tuesday, when they host title-chasing Manchester City, a Brighton victory at Elland Road will take them sixth in the table.

    Finishing in that position would guarantee Fabian Hurzeler's side Europa League football next season and could even result in Champions League qualification – if Aston Villa end fifth and win Wednesday's Europa League final.

    The in-form Seagulls comfortably defeated bottom side Wolves last time out, claiming their sixth Premier League win since the start of March – no side has more victories in that period.

    Hurzeler's team can also draw confidence from their excellent record in this fixture. They have not lost a top-flight game against Leeds for 44 years, winning four and drawing three of the seven Premier League meetings since then.

    A list of Brighton's seven previous Premier League games against Leeds. The Seagulls have won four, drawn three and lost none of those matches
  5. Farke 'has not been such a company man' in 'staggering' press conferencepublished at 07:41 BST 16 May

    Daniel FarkeImage source, Getty Images

    BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan says Daniel Farke has "bascally taken it upon himself" to publicly address both his and the club's future in a "staggering" press conference on Friday.

    Farke said he is "not the right choice" to remain in charge of the club if they fail to match his ambition in the summer.

    Farke led Leeds to Premier League safety with three games to spare in their first campaign back in the top flight, but said the club needs to do more than just maintain "the status quo" next season.

    He said there is "no doubt in my head" that he wants to stay on Whites manager.

    Buchan told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast: "He has basically taken it upon himself to address the future, his future, the club's future, and whether he will actually be a part of that future moving forward.

    "It was staggering I thought.

    "This was almost Daniel Farke going public. We know how professional he is, and he was still professional in this environment, we know he's very much a company man, a great executive as we have heard him be called.

    "But today he has not been such a company man because he's gone, 'well we need to have conversations about where the company is heading and are we at the same direction?'

    "He essentially said he can't take control of another season where the target and aim is to avoid relegation.

    "He didn't want to talk about his contract, he said it's not about his contract, it's about the vision of the club going forward. Now, we can read into that what we want to read into that."

    Listen to the podcast below or find it along with more Leeds United content on BBC Sounds here

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  6. Farke is 'preaching to the choir'published at 19:21 BST 15 May

    Media caption,

    On the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix discuss Daniel Farke's powerful words in his news conference before the Brighton game.

    Rix said Farke was "preaching to the choir" with his comments but questioned whether Leeds' "objectives are complete" like the United boss appeared to believe.

    Hit play above to watch a clip from Don't Go To Bed Just Yet or listen to the whole episode on BBC Sounds here

  7. 'I don't believe he is going to leave for one minute' - fan viewspublished at 18:36 BST 15 May

    Your Leeds United opinions banner
    Daniel Farke Image source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on Leeds coach Daniel Farke saying he is "not the right choice" to remain in charge of the club if they fail to match his ambition in the summer.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Chris: This is essential business for Leeds to wrap up ASAP. Farke has tactically outsmarted some big names this year and achieved his objectives. The club now need to back his ambition and give him the funds to push on and evolve into a force once again.

    Daniel: I think all this means is that Farke wants to hear directly from the club's hierarchy that they are as ambitious as he is before he commits to another three or four years. They are and he will. Team Farke all the way. This season has been fantastic.

    Michael: He's achieved the three-year target of promotion and survival. This to me feels like a call to the owners to set out what is expected over the next three. Mid-table next year, top half and pushing for Europe after.

    Tim: Farke was being pushed by journalists - which is their job I suppose - but he is in his rights not to divulge any goings on behind closed doors until it is safe to do so. I don't believe he is going to leave for one minute unless the board do not attempt to back him this summer.

    Neale: Farke is 100% Leeds, so all he's saying is that he expects the Leeds hierarchy to be as ambitious as he is for the next season. This means investment in the right areas. The core of the team is in place and we should have a few good sales to come through so this time, instead of hesitation, let's just get the players we need.

    Macstiv: The owners have already said that they think the club is bigger than the last 20 years and have invested. I do not think there will be lack of support and progression from above.

  8. 🎧'Every box has been ticked'published at 18:11 BST 15 May

    Leeds United boss Daniel Farke made some strong statements in his news conference for the Brighton game.

    Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Simon Rix analyse what he said and whether he could be heading for the Elland Road exit door on a new episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet.

    Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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  9. Farke creates doubts over future - what do you think?published at 15:34 BST 15 May

    Leeds United have your say banner

    Daniel Farke has put his future in doubt during a news conference where he said his job was "complete" at the club.

    The Leeds boss said he is "not the right choice" to lead the team unless the ambitions of the club's hierarchy align with his own.

    You can read more of what he has said below but please tell us what you think about it.

    Get in touch with your views here

  10. Farke on his future, a need for ambition and an injury crisispublished at 14:52 BST 15 May

    Marissa Thomas
    BBC Sport journalist

    Media caption,

    Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Brighton at Elland Road (kick-off 15:00 BST).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • In a lengthy discussion which offered some uncertainty on his future at the club, Farke said: "When I signed the contract here three years ago we spoke about the goals, what we want to achieve and I have to say my mission is fulfilled, and my job is done here, and there's nothing to add anymore. So all the boxes that we wanted to tick are ticked."

    • Farke, who has one year left on his contract, added: "It's important for the club that we sit together and sit in a trustful atmosphere to speak about new goals. This period is done. We have to speak about new goals, the way we want to achieve it, the processes and then before I speak about the future, the club has to decide where we want to be, what are the new goals. This is what we'll do right now internally. Then we'll see what the outcome is."

    • He elaborated: "I'm ambitious, I want to something to play for, and I'm not the right choice if it's about like maintaining somehow a status quo. If you want someone who just does something more of the same, then it's definitely not me."

    • In point to the need to now be ambitious, Farke said: "Everyone knows about how amazing this fan base is, how huge this club is, how much potential there is. That's a part of the truth, but the second part of the truth is also that we as a club had exactly one good season in the last 25 years in the Premier League, the first season after Marcelo's promotion, and we missed [the chance] to build on it. Right now we have played just a second good season on this level, and for me it's important that we don't repeat the same mistake, we have to develop, and we have to evolve. If you want to be good enough on this level, you have to evolve."

    • Farke expressed his "heartfelt gratitude" to the club, stating they "trusted me to come in a difficult moment into this club and to lead this club into, hopefully, a better future."

    • On team news, Farke outlined significant injury issues: "Ilia Gruev is out for the season, we spoke about this. Noah Okafor, he's not available for this game. Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle are not available for this game, Facundo Buonanotte [on loan from Brighton] is not eligible to play."

    • He continued: "We also have Pascal Struijk not in training yet after the last game. Big doubt if he's available [for the weekend]. Ethan Ampadu struggling with illness currently, major doubt and was not in training today so a few question marks but so far we have always found a solution to send a competitive side on the pitch and this is also what we will try to do in our last home game."

    • Despite such injury issues, which he described as "the most difficult situation we had during the whole season", Farke said: "We want to finish as strong as possible and with the best possible result. I back my whole group and I back my players also in these circumstances still to deliver one more top performance here at home and then also to be competitive against a really strong side who is fighting for Europe. But in this game we definitely need our supporters to carry us a little bit but we'll work on solutions to be competitive."

    Hit play above to hear more from Farke or listen on BBC Sounds here

    Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Leeds v Brighton from 15:00 BST on Sunday

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  11. James wants to 'push on' with the Whites after 'frustrating' campaignpublished at 10:12 BST 15 May

    Dan JamesImage source, Getty Images

    Leeds winger Dan James says it has been a "really frustrating" season for him personally but he is eyeing Europe in the future after a fantastic campaign saw the Whites secure Premier League survival.

    James was voted by Leeds supporters as the club's player of the season for the 2024-25 campaign after helping the team to the Championship title and scoring 12 goals in 36 games.

    But the 28-year-old has been sidelined with several injuries this campaign, including issues with his hamstring, ribs and ankle.

    "I've had quite a few injuries and at important stages of the season too," said James to BBC Radio Leeds. "Then when I've been fit the team has been playing well so I've not had as many minutes as I'd have liked to.

    "That's what happens when you have great players.

    "When I do get the opportunity it is about taking it with both hands. I feel really good now, I'm fit, and I just want to finish this season off strongly.

    "Coming into this season I wanted to give my all for the team but I had niggles here and there and wasn't fully-fit.

    "The hamstring [injury] was a big blow because we had been playing so well and I'd got myself back in the team. That was eight or nine weeks at a crucial part of the season."

    James joined from Manchester United in 2021 and has been a consistent figure in the side since signing.

    He signed a new long-term deal to keep him at the club until 2029 last summer and now has big hopes for what Leeds can accomplish in the next few years.

    "We have achieved our goal for this year so with two games left it's about seeing where we can finish," James added. "I can see how the players and team have adapted to different formations and I think we will use our different profiles of players a lot more.

    "I'd love to push on with this club. In three or four years time, we want to be in Europe. We're not that far off it - it's a few minor details.

    "You look at other teams doing it, the ones people write off to be in that position, and I truly think we can achieve that."

    Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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  12. Rutter on 'tough' return to former club Leedspublished at 10:02 BST 15 May

    Brighton forward Georginio RutterImage source, Getty Images

    Ahead of his return to Elland Road, Brighton forward Georginio Rutter spoke to BBC Radio Sussex about his time at former club Leeds.

    "Elland Road was special for me, to go back there is special," Rutter explained.

    "It's tough. It's the first time in my life that I am going to play against my ex-team there so it is special but like I say, it's football.

    "I have to deal with it but it is going to be tough. I know some friends there but they stay up, it's guaranteed so it's alright. I thought the worst scenario was if they were struggling and we play against them and beat them but now it's fine."

    Rutter joined the Whites for a club record fee in January 2023 in a deal worth up to £36m before leaving to join Brighton for another club record fee of £40m in August 2024.

    He feels he had an "unbelievable" connection with Leeds' fans, adding: "I think the fans there and me were very connected. I like to play football, I enjoy, I try to be friends with everybody and I think the fans like it so it is going to be special.

    "I wait for a great welcome because I didn't leave in a bad picture and even now they are happy because every time I score it was against West Ham, Burnley and Tottenham so they were happy."

    Rutter gave his thoughts on the Leeds squad and the job manager Daniel Farke has done: "It was a tough beginning of the season but he changed this in January. Tactically everybody was saying maybe the wrong choice but they did very good and they didn't lose many games so it is going to be tough. The crowd as well there in the stadium is very hard."

    He added that Brighton will have to "be patient" and "don't think about the crowd" if they are to get a result on a tricky trip to Elland Road.

    Listen by hitting play below or on BBC Sounds here

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  13. 🎧 'I'd love to push on with this club'published at 19:52 BST 14 May

    BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope has sat down with Whites forward Dan James to discuss the season, his ambition and his future at Elland Road.

    Listen by hitting play below or on BBC Sounds here

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  14. Strachan on icon McAllister and legendary quartetpublished at 14:41 BST 14 May

    Jack Herrall
    BBC Sport Scotland

    Gary McAllister of Leeds United congratulated by a fanImage source, Getty Images

    Strachan, McAllister, Batty, Speed.

    For Leeds fans, little more needs saying about the legendary quartet that remain at the forefront of minds.

    Gary McAllister, the younger of the two Scotsmen, is featured in a new series of BBC Scotland's Icons of Football, with an episode focusing on his career for club and country.

    Strachan, the eldest of the four, reckons McAllister is right up there with the best technical midfielders.

    "Technically, he was so gifted. He had such a lovely touch - his touch was phenomenal," Strachan says of his former team-mate.

    "First of all, he had a vision to go forward all the time, which is sadly missing in a lot of football now.

    "His first thought was how to get the ball forward, whether it be a 10-yard pass, a 25-yard pass or a diagonal ball to get somebody in.

    "He had this built-in instinct of: how do I go forward first? Nowadays it's: how do I not lose possession, I'll pass it on to somebody else to take responsibility.

    "Gary not only did that, he took responsibility on himself, even at a very early age."

    The midfield four that won Leeds the league in 1992 was hailed for its tenacity, dynamism and skill.

    For the players in it, though, it wasn't ever that complicated.

    "It was easy," Strachan adds. "Everyone technically could look after the ball, they could tackle, they could run.

    "Apart from Batty, we could all score a goal!

    "But we were really good friends. As a group we were really good together."

    WATCH: Icons of Football: Gary McAllister on iPlayer

  15. Europe or 17th? Fans on targets and tweaks for Farkepublished at 15:40 BST 13 May

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    In the wake of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast discussing what next for the Whites, we asked you if Daniel Farke should seek continuity or radical change. Is 17th next season a good outcome?

    Listen to the podcast above. Here is some of what you told us:

    Nicholas: We have had a very good second half of the season, around the top 10 I believe, so I think this is something we need to aim for. We need a keeper, another striker and possibly a strong defensive midfield player. Then hopefully next season will not be as nerve wracking as this one has been. Hats off to Farke though, he has proved a lot of people wrong.

    Andrew: I don't think Leeds should alter their style and we should be looking at recruitment to carry this on. And if we finish 17th or higher there won't be a fan disappointed with that. We are hard to beat and can pick up wins against poorer opponents.

    Ross: A quality player in defence, midfield and upfront could be enough to improve on this season which has been a success. No need for drastic changes.

    Billy: Since Farke made the change in the middle of the Man City game we have looked comfortable pressing teams. The acquisition of a defensive midfielder in the summer would allow Aaronson and Tanaka to push forward and provide opportunities for Calvert-Lewin. Leeds United should be going all-out for a European spot next season, not looking down the table fearing relegation.

    Andy: I'm dismayed by that attitude. You aim for 17th, chances are you'll end up there or lower. We need to show more ambition. We're not going to qualify for Europe, but let's at least be aiming for mid table.

  16. Icons of Football: Gary McAllisterpublished at 15:40 BST 13 May

    A graphic showing Gary McAllister three times, once in a white shirt, once in a black shirt in the centre and once on the right in a red jersey. Image source, BBC Sport

    Gary McAllister made the game of football look easy. The proverbial classy midfield player who saw the full picture, and could affect it, in the crucial seconds before his opponent.

    Unprepared to succumb to a story that began with knock-backs, McAllister wrote his own place in the history and folklore of every club he played for - a winner at Motherwell, champion at Leeds, immortal at Liverpool, and a Scotland captain of some repute.

    There were lows to counter the highs, and McAllister discusses these with searing honesty on the latest episode if Icons of Football.

    With contributions from Steven Gerrard, Gordon Strachan and Ardal O'Hanlon, this is the story of one of the greatest Scotland players of his, or any, generation.

    Watch Icons of Football: Gary McAllister on BBC iPlayer.

  17. Will Leeds have to 'make-do and mend their way through' next season?published at 12:19 BST 13 May

    Daniel FarkeImage source, Getty Images

    Leeds United can start looking forward to another season in the Premier League after their safety was secured by West Ham's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal last weekend, with Simon Rix even suggesting a change in playing style for 2026-27.

    "Leeds might look to play a different way next season," the Kaiser Chiefs bassist said on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast. "There are a lot of things to change because I feel like we're just playing the system we're playing because it is working.

    "When you look at the stats, we are unbeaten in a load of games, we have only lost four games since facing Manchester City and we haven't lost away for quite a long time. However, the vast majority of those results are draws.

    "Daniel Farke has been using a back five with two attacking wing-backs very effectively, but if Leeds want to step it up a little bit then there has to be a point where they go to a back four.

    "Maybe it's not something to introduce next season though, maybe it's for the future."

    However, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan doesn't believe the transition will be so easy.

    He explained: "People have to acknowledge - and I know people are going to shout at me when I say this - but the aim has to be finishing 17th or above again next season. That has to be the aim.

    "So if the way to do that is to play the same system, maybe with a sprinkling more quality, people have to realise that is going to be the case next season."

    Leeds United commentator Adam Pope agreed, adding: "I think it's around a 50% chance you go down across your first two seasons back up [in the Premier League].

    "Leeds just don't have the squad at the moment, even factoring in one or two quality additions, to do something radical.

    "So they might have to cut their cloth and make-do and mend their way through."

    Do you think Leeds United should change their playing style next season? What do you believe the aim should be for 2026-27?

    Let us know your thoughts here

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    Listen on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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  18. Is Leeds' hierarchy as 'solid' as it's ever been?published at 11:21 BST 13 May

    Daniel Farke of Leeds United smilingImage source, Getty Images

    Leeds United have secured another season in the Premier League as they are guaranteed to finish above the drop zone with two games to play.

    Such is the achievement, some of the team at BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast believe it's never been "as good as this".

    Reflecting on how success is achieved, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan, suggested how the club is being run is a key reason for their success.

    "It's getting the right people in the right jobs and trusting them to do those jobs," Buchan said on the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast.

    "We questioned letting Adam Underwood [sporting director] have that huge summer [in 2025] that was such a key summer for the football club and he was inexperienced seemingly. But he's risen to that challenge.

    "Daniel Farke's been questioned all along and he's risen to the challenge."

    Commentator Adam Pope added: "It starts at the top and if it continues all the way through to the manager, to the captain and the chain of command and if they're all in sync, you've got a good chance [to succeed] if the plan is right in the first place. And they're delivering.

    "The culture's good and we can genuinely say that - it's not just because of the current owners and because things are going pretty well.

    "We've been around it so much, the fans as well, and I've never seen it as good and as solid as this."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds here

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  19. Would a corner rule change work?published at 11:18 BST 13 May

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    Former Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann has outlined his idea to improve how corners are officiated in future.

    In the aftermath of weekend controversy over players grappling in the penalty area, he has told BBC Sport a rule whereby attacking players cannot enter the six-yard box until a corner has been taken would be his preference.

    Ex-Premier League defender Nedum Onuoha backed the idea and thinks it will add "creativity" to corner kicks and the move would force "people to think in a different way".

    You can watch a clip of the debate above, with Onuoha stating: "Twenty players standing in the six-yard box, you have to ask yourself, is that what you want to see? And is that the best version of the game?"