Everton Leeds United David Moyes
(Credit: Imago)
Max Wilkins
Fri 15 August 2025 18:40, UK
Everton are set to open their Premier League campaign against Leeds United on Monday.
The Toffees are preparing to travel to Elland Road to face the newly promoted side on 18 August after a hugely frustrating pre-season for David Moyes.
With that being said, there is positivity surrounding Everton with the signing of Jack Grealish, something which has injected hope into supporters at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
As a result, fans are keen to see a new look Everton line-up against Leeds United to assess the new faces ready for a hopefully positive campaign.
Although that may be the case, an ill-timed injury for Jarrad Branthwaite has thrown a spanner in the works as Moyes readies his squad for the season’s opener.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite has picked up a serious injury at Everton (Credit: Imago)
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Everton must change vs Leeds due to injury
With the late injury to Branthwaite, Moyes has been left fuming, but it shouldn’t impact the look of his backline too much in Yorkshire.
It is likely that Jordan Pickford will be joined by stable operators Jake O’Brien, Michael Keane and James Tarkowski from the start, with Adam Aznou potentially set to make his Everton debut.
Ahead of the back line, the experience of Idrissa Gueye could serve the Toffees well alongside James Garner, with another new signing in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The introduction of the man brought in from Chelsea could be the sort of box-to-box addition the Evertonians needed moving into the new campaign, especially with creative stars around him.
Everton predicted XI v Leeds United
Everton predicted XI v Leeds United
Grealish to start on bench for Everton vs Leeds
There will be huge clamour for Grealish to start for Everton on opening night, but that may not be sensible for Moyes and Co. after a difficult season at Manchester City.
Stat Jack Grealish
Appearances 32
Goals 3
Assists 5
Jack Grealish Manchester City stats 24/25
Instead, it may make more sense to utilise Carlos Alcaraz and Iliman Ndiaye on the flanks to help get the most out of Dewsbury-Hall in the 10.
This won’t only benefit the ex-Leicester City man but may help Beto to thrive, who will be keen to start against Leeds to prove himself for the Toffees once again after netting 10 last season.
Having signed Thierno Barry from Villarreal, there is added competition for the striker position, but the Guinea-Bissau international could be favoured in LS11.
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