Preview: Leeds vs Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday vs Hull

By Hugo Varley

We look ahead to two interesting games in the Championship this weekend.

Leeds vs Brighton 

Uwe Rosler’s Leeds welcome top of the table Brighton to Elland Road on Saturday.

The visitors are still unbeaten this season but have drawn their last three games with manager Chris Hughton admitting that his side must be “more clinical” than they have been in recent weeks.

Leeds are currently sitting in 16th place and have only won once in their last four games. In his press conference this week, Rosler told reporters that it may be unrealistic to target promotion this season.

“My personal aim is to finish top 10. Is that realistic? Yes. I said from day one promotion is not on my agenda, it is not possible this season.”

He added: “I think, given the time, this team will end up where it belongs and that is the Premier League.”

Leeds will be without Ross Turnball who broke his ankle whilst playing in a friendly last week. However, Lewis Cook, Stuart Dallas and Jordan Botaka have all returned from international duty without picking up injuries.

As for Brighton, striker Kazenga Lua Lua faces a late dash to be fit in time, whilst Jamie Murphy is ruled out due to suspension.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Hull 

Sheffield Wednesday are flying high under Carlos Carvalhal and have won their last four games in the Championship.

Wednesday are currently sitting in 10th place but know that a win against their Yorkshire rivals on Saturday could propel them into the play-off places.

Steve Bruce’s Hull have adapted well to life back in the Championship and have only succumbed to two defeats this season.

They have been helped by the return to form of striker Abel Hernandez who has netted five goals this season. Hernandez joined the club from Palmero for a club record fee of £10 million last summer but only managed to score four Premier League goals last term.

Unfortunately for Hull fans, there is a question mark over whether Hernandez will be fit to play at Hillsborough after the striker only returned from international duty with Uruguay last night.

Chuba Akpom could replace Hernandez after impressing for the England under 21’s in the week, whilst Jack Livermore is expected to keep his place in the starting line up after making his first start of the season in the win over Nottingham Forrest.

As for Sheffield Wednesday, Carvalhal may name an unchanged line up from side that beat Fulham 3-1 two weeks ago. However, both Lewis McGugan and Marco Matias are pushing for starts.