Leeds United vs Everton Prediction: Premier League Opener at Elland Road

Date: August 18, 2025 | Time: 8:00 PM BST | Venue: Elland Road, Leeds

The Premier League 2025/26 season kicks off with a thrilling Monday night clash as newly promoted Leeds United welcome Everton to Elland Road. This highly anticipated matchup promises to set the tone for both teams’ campaigns, with Leeds aiming to make a statement on their return to the top flight and Everton looking to build on last season’s momentum under David Moyes. Here’s our detailed prediction, including team news, key players, betting tips, and expected outcomes, based on recent form and expert analysis.

Match Preview

Leeds United, managed by Daniel Farke, are back in the Premier League after a dominant Championship season, where they amassed 100 points and lost just once in their final 28 matches. Their pre-season was equally impressive, with an unbeaten run featuring victories over SC Verl (4-1) and SC Paderborn (3-2), plus draws against heavyweights like AC Milan, Villarreal, and Manchester United. This suggests a team brimming with confidence and defensive solidity, ready to tackle the Premier League’s challenges.

Everton, under the returning David Moyes, are coming off a mixed pre-season. While they showed promise with draws against Manchester United and Accrington Stanley, losses to Roma (1-0) and Bournemouth (3-0) exposed defensive vulnerabilities. However, their late-season form in 2024/25 was strong, with 31 points from their final 18 Premier League games, securing a 13th-place finish. Moyes’ pragmatic approach and new signings like Thierno Barry and Jack Grealish add intrigue to their setup.

This match is a clash of contrasting styles: Leeds’ high-pressing, possession-based play against Everton’s disciplined, counter-attacking system. With Elland Road’s electric atmosphere and recent head-to-head history favoring Everton (unbeaten in their last five visits), this promises to be a tight contest.

Team News and Injuries

Leeds United

• Suspended: Jaka Bijol is sidelined due to a suspension, forcing a defensive reshuffle.
• Doubtful: Jayden Bogle (hip) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (calf) are questionable, with their status to be confirmed closer to kickoff.
• Key Additions: New signings Lukas Nmecha, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach bolster the squad, with Longstaff likely to debut in midfield.
• Injury Update: Leeds have only two confirmed absences, giving Farke a near-full-strength squad.

Everton

• Injured/Doubtful: Vitaliy Mykolenko (muscle), Nathan Patterson (hernia), and Harrison Armstrong (thigh) are doubtful, potentially weakening the backline.
• Suspended: Carlos Alcaraz and Iliman Ndiaye are unavailable due to disciplinary issues, a blow to Moyes’ attacking options.
• Key Additions: Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are expected to feature, with Beto leading the line and Michael Keane partnering James Tarkowski in defense.

Recent posts on X suggest Everton’s defensive injuries could force Moyes to adapt his preferred system, potentially giving Leeds an edge.

Predicted Lineups

Leeds United (4-3-3)

• GK: Illan Meslier
• DF: Luke Ayling, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Gabriel Gudmundsson
• MF: Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, Sean Longstaff
• FW: Daniel James, Joel Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto
• Tactical Note: Farke’s 4-3-3 emphasizes quick transitions and pressing, with Piroe’s clinical finishing and Gnonto’s pace key to exploiting Everton’s makeshift defense.

Everton (4-2-3-1)

• GK: Jordan Pickford
• DF: Ben Godfrey, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Adam Aznou
• MF: Idrissa Gueye, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
• FW: Jack Harrison, Dwight McNeil, Jack Grealish, Beto
• Tactical Note: Moyes is likely to prioritize defensive solidity, using Gueye’s work rate and Grealish’s creativity to spark counter-attacks.

Key Players to Watch

Leeds United

• Joel Piroe: The former Championship star scored 19 goals last season and will be crucial against Everton’s defense.
• Wilfried Gnonto: His speed and dribbling could exploit Everton’s inexperienced full-back Adam Aznou.
• Ethan Ampadu: The midfield anchor’s composure will be vital in breaking up Everton’s counters.

Everton

• Jack Grealish: The on-loan star’s creativity could unlock Leeds’ defense.
• Beto: Leading the line, his physicality will test Leeds’ backline.
• James Tarkowski: A rock at the back, his aerial dominance will be key against Piroe.

Head-to-Head Record

Everton hold a historical edge, winning three and drawing two of their last five Premier League encounters with Leeds. Their most recent meeting in February 2023 saw Everton win 1-0 at Goodison Park, with Seamus Coleman scoring. However, Leeds’ home advantage and current form could shift the balance.

Recent Form

• Leeds United: D-D-D-W-W (Unbeaten in five, including 1-1 vs. AC Milan).
• Everton: L-D-L-W-D (One win in five, struggling offensively).

Leeds’ defensive discipline (conceding just 12 goals in 23 home Championship games last season) contrasts with Everton’s low-scoring output (42 goals in 2024/25, the fewest among non-relegated teams).

Betting Tips and Odds

Bookmakers slightly favor Leeds due to their home advantage and form. Here are the latest odds (as of August 17, 2025):

• Moneyline: Leeds United 2.34, Draw 3.38, Everton 3.03.
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.06, Under 1.85.
• Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 1.77, No 1.97.
• Double Chance: Leeds or Draw (1X) 1.41.

Recommended Bets:

1. Leeds United Draw No Bet (1.41 at Spinplatinum): Leeds’ home form and Everton’s injuries make this a safe pick.
2. Under 2.5 Goals (1.85 at Spinplatinum): Both teams’ recent low-scoring trends suggest a cagey game.
3. BTTS: No (1.97 at Spinplatinum): Leeds’ defensive record and Everton’s attacking struggles support this.

Prediction

This match is set to be a tactical battle. Leeds’ home crowd and Farke’s high-intensity style give them a slight edge, but Everton’s experience and Moyes’ organization shouldn’t be underestimated. Leeds’ recent draws against top sides show resilience, while Everton’s defensive injuries and suspensions could be exploited by Piroe and Gnonto.

However, Everton’s counter-attacking threat, led by Grealish and Beto, could capitalize on any Leeds overcommitment. Given both teams’ cautious approaches and low-scoring tendencies, a draw seems likely, with Leeds’ home advantage balanced by Everton’s grit.

Score Prediction: Leeds United 1-1 Everton

Key Moment to Watch: Expect an early test for Everton’s makeshift defense, with Gnonto’s pace potentially forcing a mistake. If Leeds score first, Moyes may shift to a more attacking setup, opening the game up.

Final Thoughts

Leeds United vs. Everton is a fitting opener for the 2025/26 Premier League season, blending passion, tactics, and unpredictability. Leeds will lean on their home support and attacking flair, while Everton’s resilience could frustrate them. For fans and bettors, this match offers value in low-scoring and draw markets. Tune in to see if Leeds can mark their Premier League return with a win or if Everton’s experience steals the show.