Leeds United vs Everton: Unveiling the Shocking Prediction That Could Change Everything!

Monday night’s showdown at Elland Road isn’t just another kick-off—it’s Leeds United’s grand return to the Premier League, and boy, what a storyline it promises! Rewinding to the 2022/23 season finale, it was Everton who dealt Leeds that crushing blow, sealing their relegation. Fast-forward to now, and Leeds have stormed back, clinching the Championship with an eye-popping 100-point haul last term and hungry to prove they belong among the elite once more. However, the challenge ahead looms large, especially facing an Everton side that has a knack for season-opening upsets but also carries its own baggage and fresh faces. This clash bristles with history, tension, and plenty of “what-ifs” as both squads hunt for a positive start while juggling new signings, injuries, and high expectations. Ready for a nail-biter? You’re not alone. LEARN MORE

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Leeds United mark their Premier League return on Monday evening with a home fixture against Everton at Elland Road.

It was Everton who sealed Leeds’ relegation on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign, but the Whites have since bounced back in style, claiming the Championship title last season to earn their place back among the elite.

Leeds United

After two seasons away, Leeds United are back in the Premier League following a dominant 2024/25 campaign in which they amassed 100 points to win the Championship ahead of Burnley.

Daniel Farke’s side dropped just one of their final 28 matches last term, but the challenge ahead is significant, with memories still fresh of their last top-flight stint in 2022/23 when they collected only two points from 27 before going down. The fact that all three promoted sides have gone straight back down in each of the past two seasons only increases the pressure, and Leeds enter the campaign among the relegation favourites alongside Burnley and Sunderland. Still, all three clubs have invested heavily in hopes of closing the gap.

Preseason results offered encouragement, with draws against Manchester United, Villarreal, and AC Milan, though friendlies rarely provide a true reflection.

Everton, however, are a tough opening opponent. Leeds have struggled in this fixture, failing to win any of the last five encounters, while their only league win over the Toffees in 11 attempts came behind closed doors at Goodison Park in 2020. In fact, Everton’s longest ongoing unbeaten away run against any current Premier League club is at Elland Road, though their recent habit of starting seasons slowly could threaten that record.

Team News

The spotlight will be on whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin makes his Leeds debut against the club he controversially left for free this summer. Defensively, the hosts face early issues, with Jayden Bogle (hip) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (calf) sidelined, while new arrival Jaka Bijol is suspended following a red card for Udinese on the final day of last season.

Elland Road could still witness several new faces, with goalkeeper Lucas Perri expected to replace Illan Meslier, and Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach all pushing for first starts in white.

Everton

Everton enter their Premier League opener with an unwanted record, having lost their first match in each of the last three seasons. History does not favour them either, as they have only managed two victories from 18 opening-day fixtures against newly-promoted opposition, and both times they faced Leeds in such circumstances, they were beaten.

Attention is already turning towards next weekend’s historic first competitive game at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium against Brighton & Hove Albion, followed swiftly by a Carabao Cup tie at home to Mansfield Town. With those fixtures on the horizon, David Moyes will be eager for a positive start on the road. The manager has been backed with several new signings this summer but still sees gaps in his squad, particularly in defence, and is keen to strengthen further before the transfer deadline.

Everton’s winless preseason raises concerns, with four defeats from six friendlies, including a setback against Roma last weekend. However, their strong finish to last season offers encouragement: 31 points from the final 18 league games, a run of form that would have put them in contention for Europe over a full campaign.

Team News

The buildup to the season opener was dented by the news that Jarrad Branthwaite has suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out for at least a month, forcing Michael Keane into the XI. There was also a scare for Vitaliy Mykolenko, who limped off early against Roma with a groin issue, though he is expected to be fit to feature.

Moyes could hand out several competitive debuts, with Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in line to start, while much intrigue surrounds Jack Grealish, who may be thrown straight into the side depending on his manager’s plans.

Conclusion

Everton’s defence looks far more vulnerable without Jarrad Branthwaite, and that could hand Leeds a valuable opportunity in front of a lively Elland Road crowd that is expected to give the hosts a significant boost.

Both sides have been busy in the transfer market over the summer, bringing in several new players, and with so many fresh faces on show, it may take time for each team to fully gel. That could make for a tightly-fought contest in this opening clash.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 9/4

Bookmaker: Olympusbet