With news breaking that Everton’s defence could be in disarray for their Premier League opener, Leeds United have a golden opportunity to land an early-season blow.
The potential injury to an Everton mainstay may force Everton manager David Moyes to abandon his preferred system.
This tactical change presents Leeds United with a clear opportunity to take all three points in their season opener.
It is a chance Daniel Farke should be preparing his squad for, as they hope to hit the ground running.
David Moyes, Everton manager.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Leeds United could take advantage of Everton’s tactical change
An injury to Everton’s Vitalii Mykolenko could be a game-changer for Leeds United’s Premier League opener.
The absence of the left-back may force Everton manager David Moyes to abandon his preferred back-four system, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Under Daniel Farke, Leeds United can exploit this defensive uncertainty by relentlessly attacking the wide areas. The Peacocks will look to leverage the pace and creativity of their wingers, Willy Gnonto and Daniel James, in tandem with their attacking full-backs, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle, if he is fit.
This approach would aim to create overloads on the flanks, isolating Everton’s central defenders and forcing them into tricky positions.
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The midfield combination Farke will choose against Everton has been a big topic. The likely choice will be Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach who has fans excited. These three would be tasked with dominating possession.
By controlling the tempo and launching quick attacks, they can feed the wide players and create space for striker Joel Piroe to make intelligent runs.
Piroe’s movement will be key to pulling Everton’s central defenders out of their organised shape, opening up passing lanes for a creative player like Brenden Aaronson to exploit and make late runs into the box.
How have Leeds United fared against Everton in the past
Daniel Farke, Leeds United manager.
Photo by Francisco Macia/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Leeds United and Everton have a long and storied history, with a rivalry that has seen its share of close contests. The historical head-to-head record is closely matched, although Everton holds a slight edge.
In the Premier League era, out of 28 matches, Everton have won 9, Leeds have won 8, and the teams have drawn 11 times.
Date Leeds United Everton
18 February 2023 0 1
30 August 2022 1 1
12 February 2022 0 3
21 August 2021 2 2
3 February 2021 1 2
Leeds United & Everton’s last 5 meetings, via FotMob.
Looking at recent encounters, the fixture has been particularly tight. The last six matches between the two sides have seen Leeds win once, draw twice, and lose three times.
The last meeting in February 2023 saw Everton secure a narrow 1-0 victory at Goodison Park. A 1-1 draw at Elland Road in August 2022 and a 3-0 loss for Leeds at Goodison Park in February 2022 highlight the inconsistent results between the clubs.
However, the last time Leeds United beat Everton was a 1-0 win at Goodison Park in November 2020. This history of tight, hard-fought battles sets the stage for what promises to be a competitive season opener.