Everton vs Leeds United: Premier League build-up
Everton and Leeds United go head-to-head under the lights at 8pm GMT, with both sides naming strong XIs as they look to grab a crucial set of Premier League points.
While the match itself will provide the story, the selection calls already offer plenty to chew over. Everton’s spine is built around Jordan Pickford in goal and the experienced centre-back pairing of James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien, with Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson asked to provide the width from full-back.
Leeds, meanwhile, arrive with Karl Darlow between the posts and a physical-looking defensive unit featuring Maximilian Wöber Bornauw, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, with Djed Spence Bogle set to operate on the right. In midfield, Daniel Farke’s side lean on the balance of Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, aiming to establish control and dictate tempo.
Starting XIs
Everton XI
Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Ndiaye, Armstrong, McNeil; Barry.
Everton substitutes: Travers, Beto, Dibling, Dewsbury-Hall, Coleman, Alcaraz, Branthwaite, Rohl, Aznou.
Leeds United XI
Darlow; Bornauw, Rodon, Struijk, Bogle; Stach, Ampadu, Gruev; Justin, Aaronson; Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds substitutes: Lucas Perri, Longstaff, Piroe, Nmecha, Okafor, Tanaka, Byram, Gnonto, Buonanotte.
Key selection themes
Everton look set up to play with bite and directness. Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner give David Moyes (or Everton’s manager) a combative midfield base, freeing the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil to drive at Leeds’ back line and create moments in transition. The inclusion of Barry up front suggests a willingness to stretch the pitch and attack space early, particularly if Everton can turn the ball over in midfield.
For Leeds, the headline is Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line against his former club, supported by Brenden Aaronson and Justin. With Ampadu anchoring and Gruev offering legs alongside him, Leeds appear built to stay compact, win second balls, and spring forward quickly when opportunities arise.
Both benches also hint at possible tactical pivots. Everton have Beto as a different type of No.9 option and Ashley Young? (not listed) but Seamus Coleman provides experience if they need to close a game out. Leeds can turn to Joel Piroe for a more penalty-box-focused threat, while Wilfried Gnonto and Facundo Buonanotte offer pace and invention if the contest opens up.
What to watch
The early battle in midfield could decide the tone: Everton’s physicality versus Leeds’ structure. If Pickford and Tarkowski can keep things calm against Leeds’ runners, Everton may fancy their chances of turning Goodison Park (or their home ground) into a frantic, high-pressure evening. But if Leeds settle into possession and find Aaronson between the lines, the visitors have the tools to make this uncomfortable.
Kick-off is at 8pm GMT, with Premier League points—and momentum—on the line.
