Leeds United - v - Everton ***Matchday Thread***

[BelfastAndy]

Hi - De - Hi campers! Hope everyone is fit and well (or doing as best as can). Let's hope for a striker to help ensure position within PL.



Newly promoted Leeds United will mark their return to the Premier League with a home fixture against Everton on Monday.

Everton played a major role in Leeds United?s relegation back in the 2022/23 season, and now the West Yorkshire side have the chance to avenge that final-day defeat when they host the Toffees at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke?s Leeds United were a dominant force in the EFL Championship last season, finishing top of the table. Level on 100 points with Burnley, they secured the title thanks to a superior goal difference.

Since sealing their return, Leeds United have been busy strengthening their squad, making eight new signings. Former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin stands out as the headline arrival, and Farke will hope his new recruits settle quickly to help secure all three points.

Everton, meanwhile, endured an underwhelming campaign last term, finishing in the bottom half. David Moyes was brought in mid-season to steady the ship, and while he has done a solid job so far, he now aims to take the team to the next level.

The Toffees have also added seven players to their ranks, with Jack Grealish?s loan signing from Manchester City the standout move. They will be counting on the English international to make a major impact this season. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both squads and the tactics they might use in their opening game of the campaign.

Team News & Tactics

Leeds United

The home team will be without the services of Jaka Bijol, who is suspended for this fixture. Meanwhile, Sebastiaan Bornauw is unlikely to be available. Even if he is back fit, he might not be rushed into action. Jayden Bogle will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability.

It will be interesting to see if Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a hundred per cent to feature in the squad for this fixture, as he could end up making his Leeds United debut against his former club. Daniel Farke?s team will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where summer signing Lucas Perri should be in goal.

Sam Byram and Gabriel Gudmundsson will feature as the full-backs, while Joe Rodon will partner with Pascal Struijk in the heart of the defence. Skipper Ethan Ampadu will take up the role of a defensive midfielder, and he will have the support of Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka in the centre of the park.

In the final third, Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto will feature out wide on the flanks, providing much-needed width to their attacks. Joel Piroe will lead the line for Leeds United against Everton on Monday.

Everton

Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the sidelines, while Mykolenko, Harrison Armstrong, and Nathan Patterson will all undergo late fitness tests. The visitors will also line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where Jordan Pickford will be in goal.

If Mykolenko is available, he will feature as the left-back, while Jake O?Brien could take charge on the right flank. In the heart of the defence, James Tarkowski will partner with Michael Keane. The duo will look to keep things tight at the back and provide them with a solid base.

In the centre of the park, Idrissa Gueye should start alongside James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with the latter making his debut. The trio will look to control the tempo and ensure they have the majority of the ball.

In the final third, star signing Jack Grealish could be handed his first start for the Toffees. He might feature on the right, with Iliman Ndiaye taking charge on the left. Beto will be leading the line for the Merseyside club.

Key Stats

After two years away, Leeds United are back in the Premier League after claiming the Championship title with 100 points.

Leeds only lost one out of their last 28 games in the second half of the 2024/25 season, which suggests they will be high on confidence.

Everton have not lost any of their last five games against the Yorkshire-based outfit.
Leeds United have only won one out of their last 11 league games against Everton.

The Toffees have lost the opening fixture of each of their last three seasons.

MOT.

(CREDIT: thehardtackle.com)

[BelfastAndy]

[cherrypie7]

Longjohns is not starting. Very lazy in the pre-season games. I guess Farke did not like that. Tanaka is solid but not quick. This could get ugly.

[Billyni]

Locked and loaded, but v v nervous.

[ozleeds]

As I said, his favorites are playing, apart stake and keeper, what could go wrong? He is a total f wit

[Billyni]

We have a 6ft 4 player taking a corner into willie gnotto and James.

[ozleeds]

we have a 6ft 4 player taking a corner into willie gnotto and james.

lol

[CalverleyBoy]

Evening peoples and welcome back. I am saying nowt at this moment

[ozleeds]

Everton not much! Playing ok, but nothing in attack. Still better than them.

[cherrypie7]

Everton not much! Playing ok, but nothing in attack. Still better than them.

Looks like it will wind up Leeds 0-1 Everton.