Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Leeds United mark their return to the top flight at Elland Road against an Everton side that arrives with notable absentees and reinforcements. Everton will be without defensive leader Jarrad Branthwaite on the road, but new arrivals Louie Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are set to debut and should add creativity and cutting edge in attack.
Leeds United
Leeds United have not exactly had a poor transfer window, but the signings of Gabriel Gudmundsson, Lucas Perri, Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin do not guarantee safety in the Premier League. Their pre-season form hardly inspires confidence: since 19 July they have gone three matches without a win, drawing 0:0 with Manchester United and 1:1 with both Villarreal and Milan. In the Championship last term Leeds United secured promotion by finishing first, thanks largely to a six-match winning streak at the end, though their defence conceded twice as many as Burnley in second (30 compared to 15).
Everton
Everton also failed to pick up a win in their warm-up games, though the level of opposition was tougher. The team drew 2:2 with Manchester United and lost narrowly to Roma (0:1). The announcement of Jack Grealish’s loan deal followed, but the winger is unlikely to feature in this match. Even without him, Everton are expected to sit deep and keep things tight — something they did well at the end of last season, conceding just three goals in their final four Premier League fixtures.
Leeds United vs Everton Prediction
Since the beginning of 2021 Leeds United have failed to beat Everton (two draws, three defeats). Given that record and Everton’s superior experience, the value lies with the visitors not to lose.