7M - Preview: Everton vs Leeds United – Battle of Resurgent Sides at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton and Leeds United meet on Monday night in a Premier League clash that could see the visitors aim for a historic first-ever league double over the Toffees. The match marks Leeds' inaugural visit to Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium, adding extra intrigue to a fixture already charged with momentum shifts and contrasting form.

Recent Form and Context

Everton arrive on the back of a stunning 1-0 victory at Aston Villa—a result few predicted given Unai Emery's side had won 11 consecutive matches across all competitions prior to the encounter. Thierno Barry's second-half chip proved decisive, handing David Moyes' men their first win of 2026 at the fourth attempt and briefly lifting them into the top half of the table. However, weekend results are expected to push them back into the bottom 10.

Despite their home struggles—three losses and one draw in their last four at the Hill Dickinson—Everton have rarely been shut out, failing to score only against Villa, Arsenal, and Tottenham this season on home turf. Their road form, by contrast, has been impressive: four wins and just one defeat in their last seven away fixtures.

Leeds, meanwhile, continue their steady climb under Daniel Farke. A dramatic 91st-minute winner from Lukas Nmecha secured a 1-0 triumph over Fulham in gameweek 22, completing sweet revenge for a September loss at Craven Cottage decided by an injury-time own goal from Gabriel Gudmundsson. Back-to-back victories—including an FA Cup win over Derby County—have solidified Leeds' position, ensuring they cannot fall below 16th regardless of Monday's outcome.

Farke's tactical shift to a 3-5-2 system has transformed Leeds into a resilient unit, losing just once in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Yet their away form remains a concern: they are winless in their last eight Premier League road games. That said, they did secure a 1-0 victory over Everton on opening weekend—again via a late Nmecha strike—hinting they can replicate success at Merseyside.

Team News

Everton face selection dilemmas following the return of Africa Cup of Nations winners Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, who rejoined training on Friday. Manager Moyes confirmed both require medical assessments before being cleared for action. With Jack Grealish now sidelined by a foot stress fracture and Michael Keane suspended, Ndiaye's availability gains added importance.

Jarrad Branthwaite (hamstring), Carlos Alcaraz (unspecified issue), and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (hamstring) are back in training but not guaranteed for selection. Tim Iroegbunam remains doubtful due to a knock.

Leeds will be without central defender Jaka Bijol for three to five weeks due to a hamstring injury, joining fellow sidelined winger Daniel James (also hamstring). Left-back Gudmundsson is battling an adductor problem, though Farke remains optimistic about his availability. Midfielder Anton Stach could return swiftly from a similar injury, while Nmecha's match-winning impact makes him a strong candidate to start ahead of Noah Okafor.

Predicted Lineups

Everton (4-2-3-1):
Pickford; Patterson, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Rohl; Ndiaye, Armstrong, McNeil; Barry

Leeds United (3-5-2):
Darlow; Justin, Struijk, Rodon; Bogle, Stach, Aaronson, Ampadu, Gudmundsson; Nmecha, Calvert-Lewin

Tactical Outlook

Both sides have shown adaptability—Everton excelling in tight, low-scoring affairs, while Leeds can switch between defensive solidity and attacking urgency depending on the situation. Yet each carries a glaring weakness: Everton's inability to convert dominance into home wins, and Leeds' persistent failure to secure points on the road.

Given these dynamics—and the fine margins that have defined both teams' recent results—a draw appears the most probable outcome in what promises to be another tense, finely balanced encounter.