Leeds United will play their first home game of the 2021-22 Premier League season against Everton on Saturday. The Whites’ started their season on a losing note as they were brushed away by rivals Manchester United 5-1 at Old Trafford.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men offered too much space for the Red Devils’ midfield to exploit, like they did last season at Old Trafford.
Saturday’s opponent Everton, on the other hand, won their first game of the season 3-1 against Southampton last weekend. The Whites lost to Everton at home last season, but won 1-0 at Goodison Park.
Early Team News
Marcelo Bielsa will not have the services of defender Diego Llorente. He will likely be out till the end of the month due to a knee injury. Kalvin Phillips did not play against Manchester United, and could feature against Everton.
Who could line up for Leeds United against Everton? Let’s take a look.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Everton
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier should keep his place in the Leeds United lineup.
Defence
Pascal Struijk had a difficult game against Manchester United as he gave the opposition midfielders a lot of space in front and behind him. With Diego Llorente absent, Bielsa could move Robin Koch to the back to play alongside captain Liam Cooper. Koch did not look comfortable in the midfield role against Manchester United.
Stuart Dallas should continue at left-back ahead of Junior Firpo in the Leeds United lineup. Luke Ayling – who scored the Whites’ only goal against Manchester United – should start at right-back.
Midfield
Bielsa will be desperate to add Kalvin Phillips back to the Leeds United lineup following the loss to Manchester United. Phillips was an unused substitute against the Red Devils, but with two weeks of training under his belt, he could start against Everton.
Mateusz Klich should start slightly ahead of Phillips in midfield, while Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts will battle it out for the other midfield spot.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs Everton
Rodrigo started the game last weekend, but was replaced at half-time by Firpo, who moved into left-back while Dallas moved into midfield. Bielsa may not use Dallas in midfield if he has Phillips available to start. Rodrigo could start once again this weekend.
Attack
Raphinha had a few chances against Manchester United and looked the liveliest of the Leeds front three. He should start once again on the right side of the attack for the Whites.
Jack Harrison had a quiet game last time around and was replaced by Helder Costa. Bielsa will likely stick with him again to start off the left. Patrick Bamford will continue as the central striker and complete the Leeds United lineup.