Everton vs Leeds United
Two teams will figure in an enticing clash this weekend as Leeds United visit Everton at the Goodison Park in the 10th matchday of the 2020/21 season.
The Toffees and the Whites have lost three of their last five, and both are keen to improve on their form as they continue to make a run in the Premier League standings.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are currently sitting at the sixth spot with 16 points while Marcelo Bielsa’s side are eight notches below them with 11 points.
As we’re slowly approaching the halfway part of the season, inconsistency needs to be shaken off from both of these sides if they’d want to achieve their respective objectives.
Everton would surely want a Europa League spot by season’s end and that’s a fair place to reach, while Leeds United would like to continue to punch above their weight.
It wasn’t too long ago when these two teams have had encouraging starts this season. But after a string of poor Premier League 2020 results, it’s safe to say that the law of averages have put them in their place for now.
Talking Points
Will Everton build a new win streak?
After suffering three straight defeats, Everton are hopeful that they can get back to their winning ways once more.
They are fresh from a victory over Fulham through a solid outing as Richarlison made an immediate impact on his return.
The Brazilian international was suspended after being given the red card during the Merseyside derby versus Liverpool, which diminished the Toffees’ promising firepower.
Him and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are two of the league’s most fearsome attackers and they are expected to give Leeds United’s backline something to worry about ahead of this weekend’s clash.
But while their attacking prowess is undoubtedly great, their backline needs work as they have yet to secure a clean sheet in the last eight matches.
Seamus Coleman — who is one of Everton’s pillars at the back — is considered a doubt due to a nagging hamstring issue, and his services will be sorely missed if he won’t play this Saturday.
Leeds United need all hands on deck
It has been so far so good for the Whites in their first season back in top-flight as they’ve shown everyone that they can keep up against the best teams in the league.
Although their form has been shaky recently, one can’t deny the gritty playstyle that they’ve established under the tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa.
Patrick Bamford has been phenomenal for the Whites as he spearheads their attacking front on a regular basis. However, he would need to get more support from his teammates.
Spanish striker Rodrigo Moreno needs to live up to the club-record price tag that he has signed up for as he’s only scored once in nine matches.
He has yet to carve out his niche under Bielsa’s tactics but credit to him for showing the capability to be effective in playing multiple positions.
Leeds United have come very far in such a short time. However, in order to get to the next level, Rodrigo Moreno – among others – have to step up big to add more wins in their campaign.
History
The Whites are hopeful to break a trend that has been in existence since the 90’s.
Leeds United have yet to win a top-flight away game versus Everton (L6, D7), although they won in their last meeting in a League Cup tie eight years ago.
Everton have kept a clean sheet in their last 10 home matches against Leeds United and they’re looking to make it three league game wins in a row for the first time since 1951.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains the top scorer of the Premier League with 10 as of this writing, while the Whites are led by Patrick Bamford who’s had seven already this term.
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