Leeds v Brighton Tip

There’s a renewed sense of optimism around Elland Road for the start of the new season with Brian McDermott proving a popular choice since his arrival as manager in April. Meanwhile, it has been something of a nightmare summer for Brighton who also have a new boss, Oscar Garcia, after the protracted fallout with Gus Poyet.

Leeds enjoyed a pretty bright start to life under McDermott who won his first two matches in charge before a shock victory was also grabbed at promotion chasing Watford on the final day. Admittedly, there was also a home defeat to Brighton in between those successes, but that was a game ruined by red cards and can be largely ignored by way of a form indicator.

Back then the Seagulls were brimming with confidence as they made a late surge for the play-offs, but the wheels soon came off spectacularly. They surprisingly crashed out to arch-rivals Palace in the semi-finals before Poyet was acrimoniously shown the door in the aftermath.

Garcia enjoyed a good first year as a coach in Israel but he will have to prove himself afresh in this country. Brighton fans will be worried about how things have gone lately and this is a tough opening encounter.

McDermott showed he had the quality to win this division with a largely workmanlike Reading side just 15 months ago so we can expect him to hit the ground running here. Bet365 go a best price 2/1 on the home win and that looks like a bargain.