Leeds United host Everton at Elland Road on Saturday, two match days in the Premier League.
The Whites will be desperate to jump back from a humiliating defeat for the opening day against Manchester United last weekend and be thundered 5-1 at Old Trafford. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been strong at home, but won their last two at Elland Road last season and now want to win their third home game in a row in the Premier League for the first time since 2001.
Toffees enters the adversity with a good mood, after taking three points in the first match of the season. Despite beating Southampton 1-0 at half-time, Everton came back to secure a 3-1 victory over their home fans in what was Rafa Benitez’s first responsible match and want to keep a 100% record away at Leeds.
Here is a 90mins preview of the clash.
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14 August 2021
Elland Road hosts the fixture / JASON CAIRNDUFF / Getty Images
When is it kick off? Saturday 21 August, 15:00 (BST)Where is it played? Elland Road, LeedsWhat TV channel is it on? fuboTV (USA)Who is the judge? Darren EnglandWho has VAR service? Andre Marriner
Only pride was injured in Leeds’ 5-1 loss to rivals United last time out, and Bielsa should be able to call on a fully-fledged squad for Everton’s visit.
Kalvin Phillips can also compete for a return, after being absent from his trip to Old Trafford after his Euro 2020 campaign with England.
Benitez’s side have no fresh concerns at the back of their victory on the opening day and despite recently winning a gold medal for Brazil in Tokyo, Richarlison should be in line for a fresh start.
Richarlison celebrates his equalizer last time / Ian MacNicol / Getty Images
However, his starting position may change. Benitez moved the Brazilian to a central role at half-time against the Saints, and drove Demarai Gray out – a decision that put Everton on the rise and encouraged a match-winning second half.
Leeds United: Meslier; Ayling, Struijk, Cooper, Firpo; Phillips; Raphinha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison; Bamford
Everton: Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Digne; Allan, Doucoure; Townsend, Richarlison, Gray; Calvert-Lewin
While one of these sides got off to a much stronger start than the other, it will not be easy to predict what will happen when they meet on Saturday.
Everton will be full of confidence after a good performance to come back from a goal last time, while the freshness of Benitez will continue to give the squad a boost during the early stages of the season.
Rafael Benítez: The new Everton boss / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Leeds, however, is a side that will never lie down to rest; we have all seen how they always play as if they have nothing to lose. Their intensity can give anyone a chance for their money, and while Toffees will be hopeful that Richarlison and Gray will take advantage of the space available, Bielsa’s men will be determined to make their first win of the 2021/22 season on board.
So, in what can be a very evenly fought battle, a point piece can be the result.
Prediction: Leeds United 2-2 Everton
