Jarrad Branthwaite in Everton action, David Moyes in frame inset
(Credit: Imago)
Joe Elvin
Mon 18 August 2025 17:28, UK
Everton travel to Leeds United on Monday for their opening game of the Premier League season.
Leeds are expected to give league debuts to several players as manager Daniel Farke has been very busy in the transfer market.
They picked up draws with the likes of AC Milan and Villarreal in pre-season, so this game could prove to be a tough fixture for David Moyes’ men.
Below, Goodison News rounds up the latest injury and suspension news ahead of the big match.
Everton manager David Moyes
Most of David Moyes’ squad is fit and raring to go ahead of the new season (Credit: Imago)
Jarrad Branthwaite the only confirmed Everton absentee vs Leeds
Everton will be without Jarrad Branthwaite for the trip to Leeds after he suffered a hamstring injury in training.
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The England international is likely to be out for several weeks, forcing Moyes to make rearrangements at the back. Michael Keane and James Tarkowski are expected to pair up in the centre of Everton’s defence.
Vitalii Mykolenko was also an injury doubt for this game, although the latest updates suggest he could feature. Nathan Patterson and Harrison Armstrong are also expected to have recovered from their knocks.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite will be missing for several weeks with a hamstring injury (Credit: Imago)
Jaka Bijol is suspended for Leeds, meaning they’ll also miss arguably their strongest centre-half. Jayden Bogle is the only injury doubt for the home side.
Everton will be ruing their luck after being pitted against Leeds on opening day
Everton arguably have a stronger side than Leeds on paper, but they may be cursing the fixture list after being drawn against them on the opening day.
This is arguably the worst time to play against a newly-promoted side, especially away from home.
The Leeds fans will be buzzing to be back in the Premier League, so the players can expect an electric atmosphere at Elland Road.
After making so many signings, the home team and the supporters should be full of enthusiasm. The players will be confident, having not yet experienced any morale-draining defeats against superior sides.
Date Result
3 February 2021 Leeds 1 Everton 2
21 August 2021 Leeds 2 Everton 2
12 February 2022 Everton 3 Leeds 0
30 August 2022 Leeds 1 Everton 1
18 February 2023 Everton 1 Leeds 0
Everton are unbeaten in their last five games against Leeds
Meanwhile, Everton’s new players won’t have had much time to fully gel into the team. These factors all add up to make the perfect recipe for an upset.
It’s better to face these teams about five or six games into the season once their initial excitement has turned into frustration.
With that said, Everton should still have more than enough to get something from the game at Elland Road.
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