Leeds Utd v Everton Match Thread
Leeds Utd v Everton
Monday 18th August 8:00pm | Elland Road
The wait is over. The roar of a packed Elland Road will once again provide the soundtrack to Premier League football as Leeds United mark their return to the top flight with a Monday night clash against the Toffee's.
Crowned champions with a formidable 100-point tally, Leeds finished their last campaign in imperious form, winning their final six matches to lift the trophy in style. But the relentless pace of the Premier League presents an entirely different challenge, with Everton being a decent the perfect litmus test for Daniel Farke's side.
The Toffees, an established and ever-present top-flight outfit, have become an even tougher nut to crack under the pragmatic leadership of David Moyes, prizing defensive solidity above all else. History, too, looms over this fixture. Recent memory has not been kind to the Whites, who have failed to secure a victory in any of the last five meetings between the clubs.
Leeds have undergone a significant summer overhaul, reinforcing every area of the pitch with experienced talent from across Europe. The recruitment drive signals a clear intent to compete, not just survive. A new era begins between the sticks with Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri, a signing from Lyon, who will be protected by a reshaped defence.
Swedish international Gabriel Gudmundsson arrives from Lille to solve the left-back position, while the imposing figures of Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw have been drafted in from Serie A to add steel to the centre of defence, though Bornauw will miss the opener with a calf injury.
In midfield, former Hoffenheim man Anton Stach has already turned heads in pre-season, while the acquisition of ex-Newcastle engine Sean Longstaff adds Premier League experience. Perhaps the most eye-catching business, however, was conducted up front. While former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s debut in a Leeds shirt will have to wait due to a lack of pre-season training, his presence at the club is a major statement.
In his absence, Championship top scorer Joel Piroe is set to lead the line, likely flanked by the familiar pace of Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James. With fellow attacker Lukas Nmecha poised for an impact from the bench and Jack Harrison facing the club where he spent the last two seasons on loan, the subplots are plentiful.
Stream games in safety! Get NordVPN with up to 73% off + 3 months extra...
Monday 18th August 8:00pm | Elland Road
The wait is over. The roar of a packed Elland Road will once again provide the soundtrack to Premier League football as Leeds United mark their return to the top flight with a Monday night clash against the Toffee's.
Crowned champions with a formidable 100-point tally, Leeds finished their last campaign in imperious form, winning their final six matches to lift the trophy in style. But the relentless pace of the Premier League presents an entirely different challenge, with Everton being a decent the perfect litmus test for Daniel Farke's side.
The Toffees, an established and ever-present top-flight outfit, have become an even tougher nut to crack under the pragmatic leadership of David Moyes, prizing defensive solidity above all else. History, too, looms over this fixture. Recent memory has not been kind to the Whites, who have failed to secure a victory in any of the last five meetings between the clubs.
Leeds have undergone a significant summer overhaul, reinforcing every area of the pitch with experienced talent from across Europe. The recruitment drive signals a clear intent to compete, not just survive. A new era begins between the sticks with Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri, a signing from Lyon, who will be protected by a reshaped defence.
Swedish international Gabriel Gudmundsson arrives from Lille to solve the left-back position, while the imposing figures of Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw have been drafted in from Serie A to add steel to the centre of defence, though Bornauw will miss the opener with a calf injury.
In midfield, former Hoffenheim man Anton Stach has already turned heads in pre-season, while the acquisition of ex-Newcastle engine Sean Longstaff adds Premier League experience. Perhaps the most eye-catching business, however, was conducted up front. While former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s debut in a Leeds shirt will have to wait due to a lack of pre-season training, his presence at the club is a major statement.
In his absence, Championship top scorer Joel Piroe is set to lead the line, likely flanked by the familiar pace of Wilfried Gnonto and Dan James. With fellow attacker Lukas Nmecha poised for an impact from the bench and Jack Harrison facing the club where he spent the last two seasons on loan, the subplots are plentiful.
Stream games in safety! Get NordVPN with up to 73% off + 3 months extra...