Here it is then. Matchday, back in the Premier League for Leeds United. Daniel Farke’s side welcome Everton to Elland Road in the final Premier League game of the weekend.
A Leeds side that boasts eight new signings, though it could be that only six are available to choose from with Jaka Bijol suspended and Sebastiaan Bornauw injured. Lucas Perri is one expected to start for Leeds.
Gabriel Gudmundsson and Anton Stach will also make their league debuts for Leeds, while it is a straight shoot-out between Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka to start in midfield with Stach and Ethan Ampadu.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha are also available but Joel Piroe is likely to get the nod up top after four goals in pre-season. Everton will boast new signing Jack Grealish after he joined on loan.
Peter Crouch on punditry duty during a game between Leeds and Tottenham.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Peter Crouch and Paul Merson disagree with Leeds prediction
Everton have strengthened and improved since David Moyes has returned as manager. There is a feel-good factor on Merseyside at the moment with the club embracing a new takeover and a new stadium.
But who wins on Monday night? Or does it end in a draw? Well, Peter Crouch told Daily Mail’s TikTok that he believes Leeds and Everton will end in a draw. Paul Merson, though, thinks Everton will beat Leeds.
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Crouch simply said “draw” when asked for his prediction, while Merson described the game as “must win” for Leeds on Sportskeeda. He believes Leeds have got to take advantage of their games at Elland Road.
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“If Leeds are unable to win on home turf this weekend, you can only help but wonder how they are going to get points week in, week out! It’s going to be a hard game because Everton are a decent team.
“David Moyes will set them up pretty well for this fixture too. I believe Everton will have too much for Leeds. This is the gulf in class you are up against in the Premier League. Prediction: Leeds 0-1 Everton.”
Paul Merson on punditry duty in the North London derby.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Injury round-up with two missing and five others doubtful
Two players will definitely miss Monday’s clash, and it is a centre-back apiece. Leeds will be without Bijol as aforementioned, with his Serie A suspension remaining for Leeds’ first Premier League game.
Everton are without Jarrad Branthwaite, with Moyes confirming the star defender is sidelined after picking up a hamstring injury. Nathan Patterson, Vitalii Mykolenko and Harrison Armstrong could also miss out.
Leeds have a couple of injury concerns, too. Bornauw, as stated above, has not played since the Man United friendly after picking up an injury in pre-season training, while Jayden Bogle could also miss out.