Leeds United will make their Premier League return on Monday when they welcome Everton to Elland Road under the lights. The two clubs were embroiled in a relegation battle back in 2022-23, which Everton came out on top in, with Leeds needing two years to make their way back to the top flight.
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Leeds vs Everton prediction: Tough to call in season opener
Key stats
- Everton have only won two of their 18 previous encounters against newly-promoted clubs on the opening weekend.
- Leeds have won just one of their last 11 league matches against Everton.
- Everton have lost on the opening day in each of the last three seasons.
- The last two meetings between the sides here at Elland Road have ended level.
Correct score prediction: Leeds 1-1 Everton
Both clubs are going through transitional phases with lots of new faces arriving, and that could make this something of an experimental clash for both, but an electric atmosphere under the lights should make it a hard-fought affair.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Leeds fancied with home advantage
- HOME: 11/8 (2.38) – 42.1%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Despite only just returning to the top flight, and being among the favourites to be relegated, the bookies are backing Leeds, making them the slight favourites for this opening clash.
Goals were a frequent occurrence at both ends when Leeds were last in the Premier League, and with Everton potentially missing some important defenders, over 2.5 goals being priced at Evens looks generous.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Everton on top of late
Everton have enjoyed their recent league meetings with Leeds, losing just one of the last 11, and none of the last five here at Elland Road.
The Toffees took four points off Leeds in both of the Whites’ last two top-flight seasons, drawing on both occasions at this venue.
England Premier League 18/02/23
Everton
Leeds
England Premier League 30/08/22
Leeds
Everton
England Premier League 12/02/22
Everton
Leeds
England Premier League 21/08/21
Leeds
Everton
England Premier League 03/02/21
Leeds
Everton
Leeds preview: Former Toffee set for debut?
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could make his Leeds debut against the club he left over the summer following nine years on Merseyside, but Joel Piroe is the likeliest candidate to start up front.
Leeds will be without the suspended Jaka Bijol, and fellow defenders Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jayden Bogle are also expected to miss out with minor injuries.
Predicted lineup: Lucas Perri (GK), Byram, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson, Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach, James, Piroe & Gnonto
England Championship 03/05/25
W
Plymouth
1
Leeds
2
England Championship 28/04/25
W
Bristol City
0
Leeds
4
England Championship 21/04/25
W
Stoke
0
Leeds
6
England Championship 18/04/25
W
Oxford Utd
0
Leeds
1
England Championship 12/04/25
W
Preston
1
Leeds
2
Everton preview: Issues remain at the back
Everton will be without important defender Jarrad Branthwaite with a hamstring injury, while Vitalii Mykolenko is a doubt after sustaining a muscular problem in their friendly with Roma last weekend.
There could be a debut for Jack Grealish after he moved on loan from Manchester City last week, with the away fans excited to see him potentially form a trio with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye.
Predicted lineup: Pickford (GK), O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Beto & Grealish
England Premier League 10/05/25
W
Fulham
1
Everton
3
England Premier League 03/05/25
D
Ipswich
2
Everton
2
England Premier League 26/04/25
L
Chelsea
1
Everton
0
England Premier League 19/04/25
L
Man City
2
Everton
0
England Premier League 12/04/25
W
Nottm Forest
0
Everton
1
Player to watch: Iliman Ndiaye
Unquestionably Everton’s most exciting player for many years, Ndiaye has now been joined by the similarly skilful Grealish in attack, but much of their play will still go through the Senegalese international.
Ndiaye was Everton’s top scorer with 11 goals last season, and he has caught the eye again in preseason, with his fine footwork and knack of getting into dangerous positions, so he is one Leeds will have to keep close tabs on.