Leeds United vs Everton
Date: 03/02/2021
K/O: 19:30
Venue: Elland Road
Referee: Michael Oliver
TV: BT Sport 3
Leeds and Everton had contrasting performances on the weekend, with both results defying the odds: Leeds beat the Foxes 3-1, whilst Everton lost 2-0 to Newcastle. The two northern teams face up on Wednesday evening at Elland Road.
Leeds United host the Toffees having secured an excellent 3-1 away win over fourth-placed Leicester City. As a result, the newly-promoted side find themselves just two points off the top half of the table. Granted, the league is so condensed between sixth and seventeenth, but Leeds are pretty safe from relegation, which is impressive for a team undergoing their first season in the top flight since 2004.
As neither Leeds nor Everton have been hugely disciplined at the back this season, we should expect one or two goals and an interesting spectacle. Leeds often don’t pretend to be defensively assured, but make up for it with plenty of contributions up the other end. A 1-1 draw between two similarly matched teams can easily be scaled to 3-3 if Leeds are one subject of the fixture.
Striker Patrick Bamford is no stranger to goal droughts in his career, so his recent short dry spell would not have deflated his confidence too drastically. One goal and two assists for the Englishman should have knocked the drought on the head, and the finish for his goal showed no signs of a lack of conviction.
Everton’s last fixture was surprising for the wrong reasons as far as Carlo Ancelotti is concerned. A 2-0 defeat against a struggling Newcastle would be largely inexcusable, if not for excellent individual performances from Karl Darlow and Callum Wilson – who scored a brace – at both ends of the pitch, on top of a good collective performance from those around them.
Everton lacked desire against Newcastle, perhaps something that has dwindled during this half of the season. Ancelotti will want to see it return as soon as his team enters the pitch on Wednesday, as Leeds have had attacking spirit since day one of their top-flight return and there’s little chance of it being left behind from their recent victory. With only four clean sheets all season, Everton could fall victim to this.
As disorganised as the Toffees have looked at the back this season, Jordan Pickford has become increasingly inconsistent in between the sticks. One could argue that the Englishman was at fault for goals in both of their matches last week and Pickford is one such goalkeeper that endures dips in confidence when such mistakes happen. With an international break coming up in March, Gareth Southgate will be looking for a turnaround from the Everton keeper as soon as he is fit to play following a slight injury.
Team News
Leeds United
Patrick Bamford diagnosed himself with a dead leg following Leeds’ excellent win over Leicester City, but he is likely to be fit and ready again for Wednesday evening. Raphinha came off ten minutes before the end of the Leicester game but should also be available for midweek. Rodrigo also limped off with an injury, and his fate is less certain.
Bielsa’s summer signing Diego Llorente will again be absent from the backline, having only featured in a selection of games for Leeds. Adam Forshaw and Robin Koch are out with long-term injuries.
Everton
As mentioned, Jordan Pickford will be unable to play until at least the weekend with a rib injury. Midfielder Allan has been out since mid-December but is expected to be back in training in the next week or so.
Predicted Starting XIs
Leeds United (4-1-4-1): Meslier; Alioski, Cooper, Struijk, Ayling; Phillips; Harrison, Dallas, Klich, Raphinha; Bamford
Everton (4-3-3): Olsen; Digne, Godfrey, Keane, Holgate; Gomes, Davies, Doucoure; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, Rodriguez
Score Prediction: Leeds United 2-1 Everton
Leeds have picked up the majority of their points from bottom half teams this season, with Leicester representing an outlier on the weekend. They will be hoping to continue this momentum and clinch a win over Everton.
