Junior Firpo has completed 90 minutes in four straight league games for the first time since October 2021. His recent revival was crowned with the winning goal in Leeds United's previous home match against bottom-place Southampton.
Although it may be too early to suggest that Firpo has completely supplanted Pascal Struijk at left-back, Javi Gracia will be expected to stick with the former Barcelona man when Brighton visit Elland Road on Saturday.
Brighton are among the highest scorers on the road in the Premier League, with only Arsenal (25) and Manchester City (23) scoring more than Roberto De Zerbi's side (22) since the World Cup break.
Read more: Diogo Monteiro making Leeds United impression as training ground conduct and potential outlined
Many will rightfully look at the breakthrough seasons of Kaoru Mitoma and Alexis Mac Allister as key factors behind the Seagulls' remarkable season. But an older, more experienced head, has risen to the challenge like never before for Brighton this term.
Solly March had only previously scored four goals in 156 Premier League games prior to the World Cup. The winger has always been renowned for his industrious style but the knack of scoring goals in the top-flight has generally evaded him.
But the 28-year-old, who is enjoying his 11th season at Brighton, has hit an unprecedented run of goal scoring form of late. March has netted an impressive five goals in his last nine appearances in the Premier League, including a brace in Brighton's memorable 3-0 victory over Liverpool in January.
March has both endured and enjoyed the process of lifting Brighton to heady heights, having arrived from non-league outfit Lewes back in 2011. And the former England under-21 international is in the form of his life as Brighton travel to West Yorkshire this weekend.
Continuity across the back-line has generated a significant defensive improvement. Leeds conceded 1.7 goals per 90 during the opening 20 league games under Jesse Marsch, and have reduced that figure to 1.2 since his sacking in February.
However, Gracia's newfound defensive foundations will face one of its toughest assignments yet, while Firpo has another difficult challenge on his hands up against March, as he aims to cement his place in the starting XI.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United told Viktor Gyokeres 'better than' Premier League strikers amid transfer links
Leeds United receive vote of confidence in battle against Premier League relegation
Leeds United's ominous Brighton warning as Roberto De Zerbi promises more to come from Seagulls
Torpedoed Joe Gelhardt plan, Sunderland regret and breaking Leeds United precedent
What relegation would mean for Leeds United and their rivals in battle against the drop
