The first rich weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League ends on Monday, August 18 at Elland Road, with the highly anticipated Monday Match between Leeds and Everton. The home side returns to play a Premier League game after two years in the Championship: after narrowly missing promotion in 2024, this year they dominated the league, winning the title with 100 points. After such a season, it would be a real shame to waste all that effort by immediately dropping back to the Championship. That’s why the club has strengthened the squad without completely overhauling it. Coach Daniel Farke secured key signings such as defender Bijol, midfielder Stach, and goalkeeper Perri from Olympique Lyon, all ready to bring experience to help Leeds achieve a comfortable survival. Everton, on the other hand, comes from yet another season spent in the lower mid-table, without major achievements. Despite a campaign full of ups and downs, the board confirmed David Moyes as head coach and reshaped much of the squad, betting on talented young players but also on experienced footballers seeking redemption like Jack Grealish, who was sidelined by Pep Guardiola after winning everything with Manchester City. Everton fans hope this mix can finally raise the team’s performance level, aiming for more than just another anonymous mid-table season.

Leeds' Recent Form and Key Stats

After celebrating their return to the Premier League for two years, Leeds immediately focused on preparing for what promises to be a long and difficult campaign. Daniel Farke’s men performed well in pre-season, securing three draws against stronger sides such as Manchester United, Villarreal, and AC Milan.

Leeds won the 2024/25 Championship with 100 points, the result of 29 wins, 13 draws, and just 4 defeats. Their return to the top flight was mainly due to their offensive production: the Whites had by far the best attack, scoring an average of 2.1 goals per game. Defensively, they were also solid, conceding just 0.7 goals per game and keeping 25 clean sheets in 46 matches, second only to Burnley.

Everton's Recent Form and Key Stats

If Everton wants to start the new season on the right foot, they’ll need to forget their pre-season results. The Toffees failed to win a single friendly, losing to Roma, West Ham, and Bournemouth, and drawing against Manchester United.

Last season, David Moyes’ side disappointed expectations, finishing 13th in the Premier League table with 48 points. Everton struggled mainly in attack, averaging just 1.1 goals per game. Fortunately, their defense held up decently, conceding 1.2 goals per match and finishing the season with 12 clean sheets.

Leeds vs Everton Prediction and Tactical Overview

Although opening matchdays in the Premier League are often unpredictable, Leeds enters this clash as favorites to claim all three points. Two key reasons stand out: the home factor, with just one loss in their last 21 games at Elland Road, and the extra enthusiasm brought by promotion.

Daniel Farke’s men face an Everton side that still looks like a work in progress after a poor pre-season, and which last year also struggled to establish a clear identity. According to the BetMines algorithm, it is very likely that Everton will start on the wrong foot once again, losing their opening game just as they did in the last three Premier League campaigns.

• Leeds vs Everton Prediction by BetMines: Home Win (1) – 58% probability
  
  
• Leeds vs Everton Prediction by BEtMines: Draw (X) – 21% probability
  
  
• Leeds vs Everton Prediction by BetMines: Away Win (2) – 21% probability

Probable Lineups Leeds vs Everton

LEEDS (4-3-3): Lucas Perri; Byram, Rodon, Struijk, Gudmundsson; Tanaka, Ampadu, Stach; James, Piroe, Gnonto. Coach: Daniel Farke

EVERTON (4-3-3): Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner, Dewsbury-Hall; Ndiaye, Beto, Grealish. Coach: David Moyes