Everton Kyle Walker Thierno Barry
(credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Wed 18 June 2025 13:20, UK
David Moyes will start his Premier League season by taking Everton to Leeds United.
The Premier League have announced that the Toffees will begin their campaign with a trip to Elland Road to face the newly promoted outfit on Monday, 18 August.
This will mark the first full campaign under the Scottish head coach since making his return to Goodison Park earlier in the year.
This summer also represents his second window in charge of the L4 club, with a number of signings already in the pipeline.
Everton
Everton’s 2025/26 Premier league fixtures
With that being said, Goodison News has now predicted how Everton could line up on opening day as they travel to face Leeds United.
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Kyle Walker to join Everton defence
After such a positive spell defensively last season, there is little work to be done from the Evertonians as the window gets underway properly.
This is likely to see Jordan Pickford maintain his place in goal, with Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski and Vitaliy Mykolenko ahead of him.
It is possible that Jarrad Branthwaite could be on his way out as exit rumours begin to spiral around the centre-back once again.
Although the Englishman could be on his way out, a fellow countryman could make a move to Merseyside in Walker.
The right-back looks set to depart Manchester City, with a move looking possible after talks got underway in L4.
Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker could sign for Everton from Manchester City (credit: Imago)
Jason Knight could complete Everton midfield
There are excellent midfield options already available for the Toffees, even with Idrissa Gueye potentially set to depart at the end of his contract.
If the Senegal international is to leave, that could open the door for the signing of Bristol City man Jason Knight, who has been strongly linked to the Toffees this summer already.
The Republic of Ireland international could link up with James Garner and the permanently signed Carlos Alcaraz to form an excellent midfield trio.
These would be added to by the strength in depth of Tim Iroegbunam and even Harrison Armstrong, if he is to stick around.
Everton predicted XI v Leeds United
Everton predicted XI v Leeds United
Thierno Barry could complete Everton forward line v Leeds United
There is certainly a need for a new striker in L4 after the departure of Armando Broja at the end of the season, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to follow.
This leaves Moyes with just Beto and Youssef Chermiti as recognised number nines, which poses a risk coming into a Premier League season.
As a result, the signing of Barry could prove to be a perfect option after he netted 11 goals in his debut LaLiga season for Villarreal.
Stat (LaLiga 24/25) Thierno Barry
Appearances 35
Goals 11
Assists 4
Thierno Barry Villarreal stats 24/25
The Toffees are set to “intensify” their pursuit of the 22-year-old [The Times, 13 June], with the Frenchman potentially set to come in and start at Elland Road.
This could see him be joined by Everton everpresents, Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil, who are destined to be stars once again on the blue side of Merseyside.
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