Leeds United Vs Everton Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Key Men & Prediction

After suffering a humiliating defeat against Manchester United last weekend, Leeds United host Everton at Elland Road on Saturday. The Whites lost 5-1 at Old Trafford, while their opponents for Saturday, Everton, won 3-1 against Southampton on the opening weekend. The Toffees went down 1-0 in the first half at Goodison Park, but fought back and scored thrice in the second half to wrap up Rafa Benitez’s first win as Everton manager.

The last time these two sides met was in the Premier League earlier this year, where Everton won 2-1 at Elland Road. But, the Whites won the reverse fixture at Goodison Park in 2020.

MATCH PREVIEW

Leeds United vs Everton: Team News

Leeds United: Leeds United will be without defender Diego Llorente for their first home game of the season. The Spaniard suffered a knee injury in pre-season which kept him out of the defeat to Manchester United.

Kalvin Phillips was an unused substitute for the game against Manchester United as he had very little game time during pre-season. He is however ‘getting closer’ to a start according to the manager.

Everton: Everton have a few absentees to contend with ahead of their journey to Leeds. Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Moise Kean, and James Rodriguez are all isolating from COVID-19. There’s no indication as of yet as to whether they will be available for this weekend’s game.

But, with them not training, they may not be match fit. Andre Gomes has a knock and may have to face a late fitness test ahead of the Leeds United game.

Leeds United vs Everton: Predicted Lineups

Leeds United: Illan Meslier; Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas; Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich, Rodrigo; Raphinha, Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford

Everton: Jordan Pickford; Seamus Coleman, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, Lucas Digne; Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies; Andros Townsend, Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Leeds United vs Everton: Key Men

Leeds United: Raphinha had a fantastic 2020-21 season with Leeds United after joining them last season. He will be a key player for the Whites this season and he will hope to do better than his performance against Manchester United.

The right-sided winger will have a tough battle against Everton left-back Digne, who is quick and a tenacious player. Raphinha’s speed and dribbling, though, could help Leeds make a breakthrough.

Everton: Everton’s midfield will have to be at their best against Leeds, who will make them run for the entire 90 minutes. Toffees midfielder Allan is a combative and hard-working midfielder who will have to do a lot of running, with and without the ball.