Everton – Leeds : Preview & Prediction
After the big win against Premier League (PL) leaders Arsenal nine days earlier, Everton put their feet back on the ground with a heavy 2-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool on Monday. While such a result will always sting the blue half of the city, there is an acceptance that this match against their direct rivals in the fight to avoid relegation, Leeds United, is far more important, as they arrive at Goodison Park one place and one point above the Toffees — the home side are 18th in the standings.
Although he has only been in charge for two games, manager Sean Dyche admitted that there is a “different feel” at Everton in home games. The home fans play a big part in that, and the team will rely on them to make it as hostile as possible for the visitors, who don’t usually shine at Goodison even at their best, accentuated by the fact that Everton lost just one of their last 15 home league games to this opposition (G7, E7).
It is not only in the league table that the visitors are in a precarious position, but also in their managerial search. After hitting several dead ends, the Whites are back to square one and this week confirmed that Michael Skubala will remain the team’s coach, at least for this clash. It is an unenviable task for the 40-year-old interim manager, and he could star in an unwanted part of the club’s history: failure to win here would mean equaling Leeds’ worst record for league wins in a 20-game span (two), a record set in August 1947.
Despite their poor form, which has seen them go nine league games without a win, it is interesting to note that going into the day, Leeds are ninth in the league in shots attempted (270) and tenth in terms of shots conceded (292), two performance indicators that suggest they may be in a somewhat ‘false’ or undeserved position. Ultimately, however, it’s all about getting wins which, coincidentally, is something Leeds have failed to do in their last three games against teams that started this matchday in the relegation zone (E2, L1).
Players to watch: After two in their last two games, no PL goalkeeper has received more yellow cards than Jordan Pickford (five). Despite not scoring a goal in five competitive games, Patrick Bamford has three assists in his last four games — and two in his last three games against Everton.
Weekend stat: Everton has scored just one goal (excluding stoppage-time goals) in the PL since Oct. 22.
Everton – Leeds : Betting Tips
Everton – Win Odds: 3.25
