Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United travel to Goodison Park to face Everton, on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm).
Carlo Ancelotti has overseen an upturn in form for the Toffees since his appointment in December 2019. Coming up to almost a year in charge of his side, the three-time Champions League winning manager has secured five victories from the opening nine games of the season so far.
Much of that early season form has been down to the goals of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Now a fully fledged England international as well as regular Premier League goalscorer, the forward has netted 10 times in just nine appearances. On top of his league form, two goals for England and a hat-trick in the League Cup makes it a staggering 15 goals in 16 matches played this season.
Leeds however will be looking to cause problems of their own to a side that have conceded 11 goals in their last five matches, gaining just the one win in the process. The return of Kalvin Phillips and Rodrigo to the side last weekend against Arsenal bolstered Marcelo Bielsa’s central options. Both players stood out in the 0-0 draw and were certainly welcome returns.
The Whites had the woodwork to blame in the stalemate with the Gunners, hitting the frame three times from their 25 shots on goal in search of the winner. Whilst dominating at one end, the clean sheet was also very welcome for the third time this season.
Everton have only kept one Premier League clean sheet this campaign, which was in the opening day victory away at Tottenham Hotspur. Everything adds up to an entertaining, attacking match on Merseyside this weekend.
Manager/head coach
Everton: Carlo Ancelotti
Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa
League position
Everton: 6th
Leeds United: 14th
Premier League form
Everton: DLLLW
Leeds United: LWLLD
Premier League top scorer
Everton: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (10)
Leeds United: Patrick Bamford (7)
Head to head
Everton: 33
Draws: 32
Leeds United: 51
Last time at Goodison Park
Saturday 28th September, 2003.
Premier League
Everton 4 (Watson 26’, 37’, 52’, Ferguson 39’)
Leeds United 0
Team news
Leeds will still be without Jamie Shackleton, Diego Llorente and and Pablo Hernandez for the trip to Goodison park. Marcelo Bielsa confirmed that all three would be missing, but the rest of the squad was in good health, with the exception of long term absentees Adam Forshaw and Gaetano Berardi. Lucas Digne who has provided four assists for Everton this season has been ruled out after undergoing surgery. Long-term absentee Seamus Coleman in defence, along with Jean-Philippe Gbamin at the base of their midfield are also out.
Officials
Referee - Chris Kavanagh
Assistant Referee 1 - Dan Cook
Assistant Referee 2 - Constantine Hatzidakis
Fourth Official - Darren England
Video Assistant Referee - Andre Marriner
The key battle
James Rodriguez vs Kalvin Phillips
Rodriguez is the star man for Everton and will spend the season tasked with providing chances for Calvert-Lewin. Everton’s number 19 will look to operate in the space between the Whites’ midfield and defence, attempting to find space and pick up the ball in dangerous areas. His left-foot has the ability not only to pick a key pass, but also to shoot from range. The renowned playmaker who has performed at the highest level, including in the Champions League and at the World Cup, Phillips will have to watch him closely on Saturday.
However, Phillips himself will be looking to send Leeds forward on the attack. When his side have the ball the roles will switch in this key battle. Rodriguez may need to find some defensive responsibility and help to stop the key passes from United’s 23. This should be fascinating.
Latest odds
Everton: 19/20
Draw: 14/5
Leeds United: 5/2
How to watch
The game will be live on Sky Sports, with commentary also available on LUTV.
