Leeds United go into their clash against automatic promotion hopefuls Brighton and Hove Albion at Elland Road on Saturday knowing defeat could leave them clinging on to their spot in the play-off positions.

The Whites are currently lying in fourth position in the Championship standings, but they are just five points above an in-form Fulham side in seventh.

Garry Monk’s men face the Seagulls having drawn their last two matches – a 1-1 draw against Fulham and a goalless encounter against QPR – and they know they must keep registering points on the board in order to keep their dream of returning to the Premier League alive.

They certainly have a lot to fear when they host the second-placed Seagulls, who remain on course to finish in the top two following an outstanding campaign.

Chris Hughton’s side have won their previous two matches without conceding a goal, and only lie behind leaders Newcastle because of their inferior goal difference.

Here are three in-form Brighton players that could dent Leeds’ hopes on Saturday…

Anthony Knockaert

The Frenchman has been in outstanding form this season and he is one of the main reasons that Brighton find themselves in the position that they currently do.

The 25-year-old has scored 13 league goals in 36 Championship appearances this term – including two in his last two – and he is a player that is capable of creating something out of nothing.

His long-range strike in the success against Derby last week was testament to that, and Leeds United’s defenders will need to be on high alert on Saturday.

Sam Baldock

After scoring just four goals in 33 appearances in all competitions for Brighton last season, the forward  may have feared that his days with the Seagulls were numbered.

However, manager Chris Hughton proceeded to carry on playing the 28-year-old, and it is a decision that has paid dividends.

Baldock has netted a more impressive total of 11 goals in 29 Championship outings this term, and like Knockaert he also scored in the win against Derby last Friday – meaning he is one to be watched closely this weekend.

Glenn Murray

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He may be 33 years of age, but Murray continues to show what a fine goalscorer he is at this level.

The striker has netted 18 goals in 36 Championship appearances for Brighton this season, and as with two aforementioned Seagulls players, he scored in the 3-0 win against Derby last weekend.

A danger both on the ground and in the air, Leeds United defensive duo Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson will need to be at their best when they come up against the attacker at Elland Road.