Not only is it Leeds United’s return to the Premier League on Monday night, but it is a game with plenty of subplots as the Whites take on Everton at Elland Road.
Having watched Sunderland beat West Ham but Burnley suffer defeat to Tottenham, Leeds will be desperate to put their own marker down tonight. Paul Merson says it is a ‘must-win’ game for Leeds.
Angus Kinnear returns to Leeds at the first opportunity, Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make his Leeds debut against the side he left in the summer, Jack Harrison is back at Leeds and of course, Jack Grealish.
It is unclear if Grealish will start for Everton and even less likely that Calvert-Lewin is in Leeds’ starting line-up. But, both will make an appearance from the bench if they are not included in the first eleven.
Below, LeedsUnited.News analyses three key battles between the players that will definitely start the match. Whoever wins these duels will have a much better chance of obtaining all three points tonight.
Lucas Perri stands with his hands on his hips while warming up before Leeds United vs AC Milan.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images
Three key battles as Leeds United take on Everton tonight…
Lucas Perri v Jordan Pickford
Brand new versus one of the most experienced goalkeepers the Premier League has to offer. Leeds fans are delighted to have got giant Perri between the sticks, more so because of Illan Meslier’s recent form.
Leeds need Perri to have a good season and if he does, there is every chance of survival. It starts tonight and if he can have a better game than Pickford does, Leeds will be well on their way to all three points.
Anton Stach v Idrissa Gueye
If Leeds are to score goals, connecting the midfield to the attack and creating chances will be absolutely crucial. New £19.9m signing Anton Stach is the man tasked with doing that, having starred in pre-season.
Anton Stach playing for Leeds United.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images
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If Stach shines, Leeds will win. He is that important. But in order to do that, he needs to get the better of Everton’s £130k-a-week holding midfielder Idrissa Gueye. An experienced ace known for his tackling.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk v Beto
Everton may have signed Thierno Barry as their most expensive addition, but it will surely be Beto that leads the line tonight. The striker impressed for Everton, starring for the Toffees after Moyes returned.
Everton striker Beto warms up ahead of a game against Chelsea.
Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
At one stage, it looked like Beto might have even joined Leeds but now, Calvert-Lewin is the former Everton man charged with firing Leeds to safety. Up against Beto will be Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
With Sebastiaan Bornauw still a doubt and Jaka Bijol suspended, Struijk will get the chance to show he deserves to start above Bijol. If the duo can keep Beto out, it nullifies Everton’s attack considerably.