Leeds United return to the Premier League after a two-year hiatus on Monday night as Daniel Farke and David Moyes share a touchline at Elland Road, under the lights.
Paul Merson has already described the game as “must-win” for Leeds. Given the trend of promoted sides to be relegated, Leeds need to take advantage of the Elland Road crowd and winnable home games.
A home game against Everton is the perfect start to the season, with many subplots alongside the game itself. Angus Kinnear returns, Jack Harrison is back at Leeds and the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The England international is one of eight signings made by Leeds this summer, joining on a free after Calvert-Lewin turned down a £115,000-a-week offer from Fenerbahce. Ally McCoist has given his verdict.
Ally McCoist on punditry duty.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Ally McCoist has a ‘problem’ with Leeds signing Calvert-Lewin
Still 28, Calvert-Lewin has time on his side but of course, there is concern regarding his fitness and recent injury record. Farke reminded fans that despite his injuries, he still played 26 league games last season.
But Leeds have signed an injury-prone striker in Lukas Nmecha, and many feel Calvert-Lewin is simply just another version of Patrick Bamford. McCoist discussed Calvert-Lewin on TalkSPORT (7.50am, 18/08).
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Luke Shaw tussle for the ball.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
He compared Calvert-Lewin at Leeds, to Luke Shaw at Manchester United: “That’s it, isn’t it [whether we can stay fit]. I’ve no doubt he can score goals, he is a good player. But my problem with it is his fitness.
“We spoke about Luke Shaw, Man United are a far better team when he plays. It is the same with Calvert-Lewin and Leeds. If he’s fit, he will play but there is that question mark. I just hope that he can stay fit.”
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Who starts up front for Leeds United against Everton?
One of the big question marks, when it comes to Farke selecting his side, is who he will start up front. He has last season’s Championship golden boot winner, a Germany international and now, Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin will surely start from the bench having not done a pre-season at a club this summer. But he will be an excellent tool off the bench, especially against his old side. So, Piroe or Nmecha to start?
Piroe has scored four goals in pre-season and won the Leeds bleep test. He will be desperate to get a chance to show he can do it in the Premier League and deserves his chance to lead the Leeds line tonight.