The Premier League returns with a bang, and Monday Night Football in the opening week sees newly-promoted Leeds United host Everton at Elland Road. The clash brings together two sides with contrasting pre-season form, but both enter the 2025/26 campaign brimming with optimism.
Leeds’ Return to the Top Flight
After two years away from the Premier League, Leeds United are back and determined to re-establish themselves among England’s elite. Under the guidance of Daniel Farke, the Yorkshire outfit have enjoyed a strong pre-season, remaining unbeaten in friendlies against Manchester United, Villarreal, and AC Milan.
Leeds also boast an impressive run of form stretching back to last season, unbeaten in their last 13 competitive games across all competitions. Their last Premier League victory came at Elland Road in April 2023, and fans will hope that home advantage will once again inspire them to an opening-night triumph.
However, history is not on their side. The Whites have failed to win any of their last five meetings against Everton, a record Farke will be eager to put right.
Everton Looking to Bounce Back
Everton start the new campaign with renewed belief as they move into their state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium and strengthen their squad with the marquee signing of Jack Grealish from Manchester City. The England international brings proven quality and creativity to the Toffees midfield, raising expectations for the season ahead.
That said, David Moyes’ side endured a frustrating pre-season, failing to win any of their six matches. Results against the likes of Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers raised concerns about consistency, even if performances were at times better than scorelines suggested.
Moyes, back at the helm, will demand an instant response in competitive action, and a positive result at Elland Road could quickly ease fears about form.
Head-to-Head Record
Leeds and Everton have played out some thrilling encounters over the years, with both sides carrying passionate fanbases and a proud history. At Elland Road specifically, goals have rarely been in short supply – both teams have found the net in each of their last five competitive meetings at the stadium.
Leeds’ recent struggles against Everton (five games without victory) underline the Toffees’ edge in this fixture, but Everton’s shaky pre-season form means this contest feels far more evenly balanced.
Predicted Lineups
Leeds United (4-2-3-1): Meslier (GK) — Ayling, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo — Ampadu, Gray — Summerville, Gnonto, Rutter — Bamford
Everton (4-3-3): Pickford (GK) — Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko — Onana, Doucouré, Grealish — McNeil, Calvert-Lewin, Harrison
Injuries/Suspensions: Leeds are expected to be close to full strength, while Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains a fitness concern but could feature.
Key Battles
- Jack Grealish vs Leeds’ midfield pivot – The England international’s ability to dictate tempo and unlock defences will test Leeds’ defensive organisation.
- Patrick Bamford vs James Tarkowski – Leeds’ No9 will need to rediscover his finishing touch against Everton’s rugged centre-back.
- Wide areas – Both sides rely heavily on wing play. Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto against Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison could determine who gains the upper hand.
Odds and Betting Insights
Bookmakers see this as a finely poised encounter. Leeds enter with confidence after an unbeaten run, while Everton’s summer struggles and transition phase mean punters are wary of backing them outright.
- Leeds win: 2/1
- Draw: 9/4
- Everton win: 7/5
- Both teams to score: 4/6
Given their recent head-to-head history at Elland Road, the “Both Teams to Score” market appears particularly attractive.
Prediction
This match has the feel of a tight, high-energy contest, with Leeds eager to prove they belong back in the Premier League and Everton keen to banish their pre-season struggles. Goals seem likely, and while either side could snatch victory, a draw looks the most balanced outcome.
Prediction: Leeds 2-2 Everton
Match Details
- Fixture: Leeds United vs Everton
- Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
- Kick-off: 8:00 p.m. BST
- Venue: Elland Road, Leeds
- Competition: Premier League