Leeds United host Everton in season opener

Everton begin a new era with a trip to Elland Road to face newly promoted Leeds United.

Leeds United vs Everton Preview and Predicted Lineups

Everton travel to Leeds United to open the Premier League season, aiming to hit the ground running after a troubled pre season. They have added Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish but still face questions about pace and width on the right, with a late window push possible. Jarrad Branthwaite misses out through injury, while James Tarkowski returns and partners Michael Keane in the heart of defence. Vitalii Mykolenko could return from a short layoff, and Dewsbury-Hall, Aznou and Grealish are in line for competitive debuts. Beto is expected to lead the line as Everton seek momentum away from home.

This opener tests Everton’s ability to turn a shaky pre season into a solid start under a new run of signings. The absence of Branthwaite complicates the defensive balance, but a back four featuring Tarkowski and Keane could provide a steady base. Leeds, fresh from promotion, will want to exploit home support to establish early control. The late recruitment window adds risk and opportunity for Moyes, who must balance experimentation with reliability as the season begins. A strong start could calm early nerves, while a stumble invites scrutiny of the club’s strategy and timing in the transfer market.

Highlights

The first 90 minutes will reveal how much work lies ahead for both clubs