Leeds United face Gus Poyet's Brighton in Coca-Cola League One (From York Press)

Leeds United face Gus Poyet's Brighton in Coca-Cola League One

10:40am Friday 20th November 2009

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PACE-SETTERS Leeds United will have to counter the wiles of one of their most feted foreign imports if they are to maintain their stranglehold on the Coca-Cola League One top spot.

The mighty whites make the long haul to lowly Brighton, who have already been galvanised by new manager Gus Poyet.

The former Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Uruguay midfielder has a place in Leeds’ affections for his spell as assistant to one-time Leeds boss Dennis Wise.

Though warmth for Wise was limited, Poyet’s Elland Road spell is remembered with fondness with many fans believing he was the brains behind the revival under Wise.

However, Poyet is now the man in charge at the Withdean Stadium outfit, taking the reins after the sacking of former Scarborough and Yeovil boss Russell Slade.

Poyet’s immediate effect was galvanic with the Seagulls earning a valuable maximum haul from a stirring 3-1 conquest at south coast rivals Southampton, followed by a 2-0 FA Cup victory over Wycombe in midweek.

That brace of triumphs will have the home fans well on Poyet’s side for the visit of the table-toppers.

However, Leeds boss Simon Grayson has proved himself to be a man of substance this term and he will have his charges on full alert to quell home fires tomorrow.

He has also been boosted by lengthening the loan stint of winger Max Gradel from Leicester City.

The 21-year-old, who has bagged a goal in five appearances, will remain at Leeds until the New Year when both parties will review his future.

Gradel is happy to stay declaring: “I want to play first-team football regularly and I am doing that at Leeds.

“We have a lot of games coming up that we have to be ready for and I’m looking forward to it.”

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