Everton vs. Leeds United – preview and prediction – team news, and lineups

Everton and Leeds United, who are separated by one position and four points in the Premier League rankings, will face off at Goodison Park on Saturday.

In midweek, the Toffees were defeated 3-1 by Newcastle United, while Marcelo Bielsa’s side held Aston Villa to a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Match preview

Jamaal Lascelles’ own goal, assisted by Mason Holgate, broke the deadlock in Newcastle’s match against Everton, before the two defenders humorously reversed places for the Magpies’ equalizer only a minute later.

Following their lucky equalizer, Newcastle came out all guns blazing in the second period, with Ryan Fraser pushing Eddie Howe’s side into the lead before Kieron Trippier’s magnificent free-kick completed the job.

Even though the Toffees did sell their fans a false feeling of hope with their FA Cup hammering of Brentford earlier this month, there was never going to be a quick cure for Everton under Frank Lampard, and the hosts are now creeping closer and closer to a relegation struggle.

Everton is currently 16th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone despite having games in hand over some of their bottom-five opponents, and their losing streak in the top division now stands at an alarming four games.

Take nothing away from Daniel James’ contribution for Leeds, who filled the Patrick Bamford-sized gap to earn a point against Aston Villa, despite Philippe Coutinho and Jacob Ramsey grabbing all the attention for their storming displays at Villa Park.

James and his 5ft 6in stature scored two goals on the day, one an unlikely header after being sandwiched between two Villa defenders, while Diego Llorente completed the comeback from a 3-1 deficit to salvage a 3-3 draw against Steven Gerrard’s side.

Leeds United showed a battling attitude that has been increasingly visible since the turn of the year, as Marcelo Bielsa’s side sit 15th in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone, with a game in hand on 18th-placed Norwich City.

The Whites have now collected seven points from the last 12 Premier League games, but their failure to keep the back door shut away from home continues to plague them, as they have conceded 15 goals in their last four away Premier League games.

Everton vs. Leeds United

Team News

As if the defeat at St James’ Park wasn’t bad enough, Lampard also lost Yerry Mina and Demarai Gray to injuries in the first half, and the Toffees boss has expressed concern about the former’s problem.

Gray’s ailment is not regarded to be too serious, but the attacker has entered the treatment room alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies, and Fabian Delph, with Ben Godfrey also out for around one month with a thigh issue.

Due to the illness of left-back Vitaly Mykolenko, Jonjoe Kenny may be needed on the left side, and Lampard should consider bringing Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek into the first XI this weekend.

As if the defeat at St James’ Park wasn’t bad enough, Lampard also lost Yerry Mina and Demarai Gray to injuries in the first half, and the Toffees boss has expressed concern about the former’s problem.

Gray’s ailment is not regarded to be too serious, but the attacker has entered the treatment room alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies, and Fabian Delph, with Ben Godfrey also out for around one month with a thigh issue.

Due to the illness of left-back Vitaly Mykolenko, Jonjoe Kenny may be needed on the left side, and Lampard should consider bringing Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek into the first XI this weekend.

Bielsa is still without Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, and Sam Greenwood, in addition to Bamford, although Junior Firpo is expected to recover from a thigh injury.

If Bielsa needs fresh legs in his high-pressing machine, Jamie Shackleton will be considered, but the most of the XI that started at Villa Park should be maintained.

Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Kenny; Allan, Van de Beek; Townsend, Alli, Richarlison; Calvert-Lewin

Leeds United possible starting lineup:
Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Dallas; Koch, Forshaw; Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison; James

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Our Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals

Leeds aren’t known for keeping clean sheets away from home, and while Bielsa’s side will always be a threat at the other end of the pitch, Lampard might turn Everton’s fortunes around here.

The additions of Van de Beek, Alli, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the first XI might give a new lease on life to a Toffees team that has a lot to prove in this match, and we can see Lampard making amends for his blunders from midweek by taking all three points.

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