Leeds United host Everton in a standalone Premier League opener as Matchweek 1 wraps up on Monday at Elland Road. Leeds have earned their return to the top flight after winning the EFL Championship last season, while Everton finished 13th in the league and closed the campaign with a flourish, claiming their last three matches.
Everton look to solidify their resurgence after a busy transfer window that included a loan capture of Jack Grealish from Manchester City. The winger, who has 39 England caps, is expected to bring creativity and grit to the Toffees’ attack.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Leeds enter as the favorites on the 90-minute money line at +130, with Everton at +220 and a draw priced around +225. The over/under for goals sits at 2.5.
Analyst notes and picks
– Martin Green of SportsLine provides picks for the match: Everton draw no bet at +120 (1 unit) and Jack Grealish to score or assist at +188 (0.25 units). He also reiterates Everton draw no bet at +120 as another angle.
– Green explains Everton’s late-season turnaround, recalling that they started 2023 perilously and fired manager Sean Dyche in January. The club then brought back former manager David Moyes, a move Green says galvanized the squad, helping Everton win eight of their final 20 games and draw seven, including a three-match winning streak to seal 13th place.
Tactical angles and player focus
– Grealish’s arrival provides a fresh challenge for Leeds’ defense. While he appeared sparingly for City last season, his proven top-flight pedigree and past English national team involvement suggest he could still influence games if he settles quickly into Everton’s system.
– Leeds, who spent large sums to strengthen after their Championship title, will look to set the pace at home. The home side’s energy and pressing style could test an Everton squad eager to start the season with momentum.
– The matchup also means a potential test of Everton’s midfield creativity against Leeds’ high-press approach. The result could hinge on which side can translate chances into goals more efficiently.
What to watch
– Can Leeds make their home advantage count in a full crowd, high-energy atmosphere?
– Will Grealish make an immediate impact on his loan spell, linking play and creating scoring opportunities?
– How quickly Moyes’s reintroduction of a familiar philosophy translates into results on the field?
Outlook and optimism
– The fixture promises an intriguing start to the new season, with both teams aiming to kick off positively. If Leeds hit their stride early and Grealish finds chemistry with Everton’s attackers, this game could set the tone for an entertaining campaign.
Summary
– A high-stakes, early-season clash at Elland Road pits Leeds’s promotion-winning form against Everton’s mid-table resilience and fresh energy from a marquee loan. With betting markets and expert picks indicating a tight, tactically rich contest, football fans can expect an engaging kickoff to the new Premier League campaign.