Everton picked up a 3-1 win over Southampton in their first match of the new season and next up, they take on Leeds United, away from home in matchweek two.
The Toffees are under new boss Rafa Benitez and it looked like his curtain-raiser was going to go down the drain thanks to the Saints’ first-half goal. But Everton showed great spirit to score three second-half goals and pick up all three points.
Everton picked up a win over Leeds United in their away match last season and they will be hoping for another victory at Elland Road especially after what Manchester United did to Leeds last weekend.
The Goodison Park will be hoping for a repeat performance but this time, they will be playing in front of a massive crowd at Elland Road so a repeat of a 2-1 scoreline might not be so easy.
Everton’s team news vs Leeds United:
Holgate and Michael Keane will likely pair up in central defence with Yerry Mina once again starting on the bench. Coleman and Digne will play as the two full-backs.
Tom Davies is another player who is not expected to get a starting role with Allan and Doucoure starting in central midfield while Gray plays as the attacking midfielder.
James Rodriguez missed the first match due to COVID related isolation and we are still not sure if he will be available for selection or not.
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The manager said last week: “We have some players who are in isolation and we have to manage that. We have to be very careful, and some players have to be at home. James is one of them.”
Andre Gomes is also recovering from a knock but we think he should be fit enough to be included in the matchday squad.
Richarlison was one of the standout players in the first game against Southampton and he will operate on the left flank while Townsend will play on the right hand-side
Moise Kean will miss out due to COVID but Dominic Calvert-Lewin would have started up front even if he was available.
Everton predicted line up vs Leeds United:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Digne; Allan, Doucoure, Demarai Gray/James; Townsend, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.
Stats via Fotmob.
