Leeds United will be desperate to right the (many) wrongs of the Premier League’s opening weekend when they host Everton at Elland Road on Saturday (Watch live at 10 am ET, on Peacock Premium).
Marcelo Bielsa’s men were battered 5-1 by Manchester United a week ago, as Bruno Fernandes bagged a hat trick of goals and Paul Pogba went one better with four assists in the blowout at Old Trafford. But, it wasn’t all bad for Leeds, who drew level at 1-1 after 49 minutes when Luke Ayling struck a magnificent strike from outside the penalty area. Of course, the proceedings quickly escalated out of Leeds’ control and they found themselves 4-1 down just 11 minutes later. Ultimately, it was 5-1 and Leeds were on the wrong end of yet another lopsided affair (they won plenty of them last season, too) to begin the 2021-22 campaign.
Everton, on the other hand, are fresh off a 3-1 victory over Southampton, a game which saw the Toffees fall a goal behind midway through the first half before bagging three in the second half. New manager (and former Liverpool boss) Rafa Benitez picked up his first win after replacing Carlo Ancelotti, who returned to Real Madrid in the summer, and things went off without a hitch — even without three potential starters unavailable due to COVID-19 issues.
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Here is everything you need to know ahead of Leeds vs Everton this Saturday with team news, odds, stream link and more.
Leeds team news, injuries, lineup (INJURY REPORT)
Leeds: OUT: Diego Llorente (knee)
📋 Your #LUFC Starting XI… pic.twitter.com/QOK7X5Q16p
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 21, 2021
Everton team news, injuries, lineup
Everton: OUT: James Rodriguez (COVID-19), Andre Gomes (knock)
Our team to face Leeds United 🔵#LEEEVE #COYB pic.twitter.com/90OA4UY9l0
— Everton (@Everton) August 21, 2021
Odds and ends (full odds provided by our partner, PointsBet)
Leeds (+130) | Everton (+195) | Draw (+245)
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Prediction
When Leeds lose, they lose big. When Leeds win, they win big. Everton’s midfielders aren’t quite to the level of those at Manchester United, which is just another way of saying the all-out high press will prove far more effective against the Toffees. Leeds 3-1 Everton.
How to watch Leeds vs Everton, stream live and start time
Kickoff: 10 am ET Saturday
Online: Stream via NBCSports.com