Leeds United travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon in an attempt to maintain their unbeaten start to the new Premier League campaign.

Daniel Farke’s men have won one and lost one of their first two games in the top-flight, subsequently conceding just once against Brentford in such encounters.

However, they will have a job on their hands to keep the Seagulls out, as Fabian Hurzeler’s men have scored seven times in their first two outings of the new season.

After avoiding defeat against Nottingham Forest and Brentford, it’s unlikely the manager will make too many changes - but he should be looking to drop one player from the starting eleven.

Why Aaronson needs to be dropped against Brighton

As evident throughout the majority of last season, Farke has decided to stick with attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson in a bid to succeed in the Premier League.

His inclusion has constantly divided the fanbase at Elland Road, with the manager continuing to stand by the American international throughout the early stages of the new campaign.

The 25-year-old has started both of the Whites’ two league games to date, but his stats from last weekend’s 1-1 draw showcase why the manager needs to drop him from the starting eleven.

Aaronson featured for the first 45 minutes before being replaced after failing to make a positive impact with the ball within attacking areas of the pitch.

He subsequently completed just four passes during his display at Elland Road - the fewest of any player who started the game - whilst also failing to create any chances.

The American also failed to complete any of his two attempted dribbles and registered zero shots on goal - reaffirming how poor he was with the ball in forward areas.

He’s constantly failed to deliver during his time in the Premier League, with the manager desperately needing to replace him from his starting eleven for this afternoon’s encounter.

Why Leeds' £25m star should replace Aaronson vs Brighton

The 3-4-2-1 system has seen Farke’s shift into having two talented options behind the striker - with Dominic Calvert-Lewin more often than not the beneficiary.

New signing Harry Wilson will be desperate to start again after being benched last weekend, whilst Noah Okafor will be hoping to maintain his starting position.

Aaronson should make way for this afternoon’s clash at the AMEX, which should see Dan James being handed his first Premier League start of the campaign.

Wilson’s compatriot has failed to start a league game since the end of last season, but today could be the perfect chance to utilise the 28-year-old from the get-go.

His pace and direct nature could pose a huge threat to Hurzeler’s men on the break - something which will be vital due to the Seagulls’ desire to play a possession-based system.

James has started one game this term, subsequently being named in the starting eleven during the Carabao Cup victory against Nottingham Forest last month.

His stats from such a game showcase why he should start this evening, with the Welshman offering a constant threat to the Reds’ backline that evening.

James subsequently placed 100% of his efforts on target that night, and caused the Reds no end of trouble with his pace - helping Farke’s men reach the third round for the first time in four years.

His ability to pick out a teammate was also evident that night at the City Ground, with the Welsh international creating the most chances of any player on the pitch.

The winger has also won the joint-most number of games against Brighton throughout his professional career, with the attacker able to hand Farke a good luck charm in attack.

Such a call may be a bold one, but it’s one which could provide a shock factor in Leeds’ favour for the latest Premier League encounter on the South Coast.

His inclusion over Aaronson should be a no-brainer for Farke, with the Welshman already having a greater impact than the American despite featuring for fewer minutes.