Everton vs Leeds United – 18/02/2023
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Everton came crashing back to Earth on Monday night with a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby. The Toffees showed no attacking ability, as manager Sean Dyche set the team up to play with 11 men behind on the ball.
On Saturday, Everton will welcome Leeds United to Goodison Park in a Premier League six-point affair. Leeds are still seeking a permanent manager after the sacking of Jesse Marsch.
The Whites have not won a match since before the World Cup break. Just one point separates Leeds United from Everton in the race for safety. Everton go into the game in 18th place, while Leeds are in 17th place in the standings.
Everton go into the match after picking up four points from their last six games. Only four goals were scored by Everton across those six matches. Dyche’s arrival as the manager isn’t going to improve the goalscoring situation.
Leeds United took three points from their last six games. All three points came from draws. Five goals were scored by Leeds in their last six matches while conceding nine times in the competition.
Dyche has four players on the injury list going into the game. Andros Townsend has been ruled out due to a knee injury. Midfielder James Garner has a back injury and will miss the game.
Nathan Patterson should return to the team after being passed fit. However, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will miss another match after suffering a thigh injury.
Nine players are on the injury and suspension list for Leeds. The biggest miss for Leeds is striker Rodrigo Moreno, who recently had ankle surgery and is out of action until April.
Archie Gray and Adam Forshaw are both ruled out of the game due to leg injuries. Stuart Dallas is out with a thigh injury. Several players could return from injury for the match, including Pascal Struijk, Marc Roca, Liam Cooper, Luis Sinisterra, and Sonny Perkins.
Everton have the second-worst home points total this season with just 11 points from 33 games. Four of their last five home matches ended in defeat.
Leeds have the joint-second worst away points total with six points from 11 matches. They are winless in five straight road matches going into the fixture at Goodison Park.
With neither team in good form and struggling to score goals, Saturday’s game should finish in a stalemate with the score being 1-1. The 1-1 scoreline is the most popular in the Premier League this season.
