cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/34599844

Competition: Premier League

Date: Monday, August 18, 2025

Kickoff: 8:00 PM BST / 3:00 PM EST

Venue: Elland Road, Leeds

Team News

Leeds United

• Leeds will be without newly-signed centre-back Jaka Bijol, who is serving a one-match suspension.
• Manager Daniel Farke has stated he will make a late call on right-back Jayden Bogle, who is dealing with a hip flexor injury.
• Joel Piroe is expected to lead the line up front, with new striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin possibly starting from the bench as he's managed carefully after his recent transfer from Everton.

Everton

• The Toffees have a significant blow with key centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite ruled out after picking up a thigh injury in training.
• Vitalii Mykolenko, who limped off in a recent friendly, may be available, but new signing Adam Aznou could be in line for a debut at left-back.
• High-profile loan signing Jack Grealish and midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could also make their competitive debuts for Everton.

Manager Quotes

Daniel Farke (Leeds United)

• On the Elland Road factor: "For a newly-promoted side, it's crucial you have a really good home record... We have a great unity in the club and a great bond with the supporters. They can be second to none... They're one of the biggest assets."
• On transfer strategy: Farke admitted "There is no doubt we need reinforcements, especially in the offence. Dominic can't be the only step. We are on a good path, prepared for the first games and I hope when the transfer window is over we have a squad who is capable of fighting for being the first team who breaks this curse because we have one clear target to stay in this league."
• On Jack Harrison's return: "Jack is a proven Premier League player, a good age, top character, and hard working... Everyone has a chance, with good work, good performances, to win the trust of supporters back. Jack has already won the staff and players back because his behaviour was top class."

David Moyes (Everton)

• On his squad's depth: "We are pleased with the players we have added, but I am not pleased because I think I still need more. We want to continue to adding to what we have because we are short in certain areas. We have got some good business done but I would like more if possible."
• On new signing Jack Grealish: When asked if Grealish would start, Moyes joked, "You need to turn up and find out. That's what everyone needs to do." He did say Grealish "looks the same, big calves" and that he "can play in many positions."
• On Jarrad Branthwaite's injury: An irritated Moyes refused to give a prognosis, stating, "I'm sure the insider inside the club will give that out. I'm sure of that. We've gotta find out who is giving the news out."

Head-to-Head

Everton has had the better of recent Premier League meetings, going unbeaten in their last five encounters with Leeds (W3, D2). This will be the first league match between the two clubs since Leeds' promotion back to the top flight.

Pundit Predictions & Analysis

• The Athletic: The Athletic notes that Everton have a poor record in opening games against newly-promoted sides and that their defense will be weaker without the injured Jarrad Branthwaite. They believe Leeds' attacking momentum and the home crowd will give them an edge.
• BBC Sport: The BBC provides two contrasting views from their pundits:
  • Chris Sutton: "Leeds boss Daniel Farke is a very underrated manager and his teams always carry a threat - it is their defence I am worried about this season. They will have a real go at Everton under the floodlights and Elland Road is going to be rocking, so this is a tough opening for the Toffees... It would not surprise me at all if Dominic Calvert-Lewin scores on Monday and gets his new team a point against his old one - wouldn't that be typical?"
  • Paul Merson: "Leeds will be looking at this fixture as a must-win game... If Leeds are unable to win on home turf this weekend, you cannot help but wonder how they are going to get points week in, week out!... In the end, I believe Everton will have too much for Leeds. This is the gulf in class you are up against in the Premier League if you're a newly-promoted team."
• The Guardian: The Guardian's analysis highlights that David Moyes' team is more tactically rigid than the free-flowing style Jack Grealish is used to, but believes the new signings could make Everton a more fluid attacking side. The article also notes that Leeds' last eight opening-day matches have produced a staggering 39 goals, suggesting a high-scoring affair.

We are so back. Will be having these pre-match threads going forward. Please discuss all of the weekends action here plus starting XI predictions and thoughts going into the game.

As always we welcome any suggestions and wants going into the season. Still learning what to do here so interested to hear what people want from the sub and us.

Massive game, MOT ALAW.

Reposted from https://www.reddit.com/r/LeedsUnited/s/uEW7GeOasq