Prediction: Leeds vs Everton

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: 888sport

The first set of midweek Premier League fixtures are upon us as the top flight attempts to get through as many games as possible before we reach the World Cup winter break later this year. This is already shaping up to be arguably the most competitive year of PL action we’ve seen in a long time, and hopefully that’ll continue this week – especially at Elland Road where Leeds United will take on Everton.

Leeds

There were plenty of doubters in the air when Jesse Marsch first took over as Leeds United manager but up to this point, we’d say it’s done a pretty solid job of proving them wrong. The big test, of course, will be seeing whether or not he can do it throughout a full campaign, although the early evidence suggests he definitely has the squad necessary and capable of doing it.

 Team News

Firpo, Ayling and Dallas have all been ruled out through injury with the only other concerns being Cooper and Bamford.

Everton

Even though they were able to fend off the threat of relegation last season, the jury is still very much out on Everton Football Club – and that’s especially true for Frank Lampard in his role as manager. The Toffees have made a handful of notable changes during the summer transfer window but if they don’t start to gel on the pitch sooner rather than later, they could be in trouble again.

Team News

Davies is likely to feature after recovering from injury but the following players have either been ruled out or will be assessed on game day: Mina, Doucoure, Godfrey, Calvert-Lewin, Townsend, Gomes and Holgate.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in February, Everton beat Leeds 3-0.
• Leeds have won three, drawn one and lost one of their first five games.
• Everton have won one, drawn two and lost two of their first five games.
• Leeds have scored 10 goals and conceded five so far this season.
• Everton have scored four goals and conceded five so far this season.

Conclusion

Everton are slowly starting to find their feet under the current regime whereas Leeds’ early season start feels like it could be based on adrenaline more than anything else. We expect the visitors to put up a solid fight defensively against what’s set to be an onslaught from the hosts, and when the final whistle is blown, the two sides will share the points after an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 5/2

Bookmaker: 888sport