Match Preview: Leeds United vs Everton (18/08/25) – A Statement Opportunity for Farke’s Premier League Return
Image from Leeds United
Elland Road is set for a raucous welcome back to Premier League football as Leeds United host Everton in their 2025/26 opener. After 2 years away, Daniel Farke’s side returns to the top flight with something to prove-and few fixtures offer a better platform to make a statement than a home clash under the lights against a familiar foe in transition.
Leeds: Riding the Wave, But Ready for Reality
There’s no denying the optimism around Leeds heading into this season. The club earned promotion by doing things the "right" way-sticking with a manager who rebuilt the team with a clear identity, and relying on a blend of youth, hard graft, and tactical discipline. But now, the stakes are higher, the margins smaller, and the quality of opposition brutal.
Still, this opener presents the perfect launchpad. Playing at Elland Road on a Monday night gives Leeds the spotlight—and they’ll be desperate to show they belong. There’s always pressure in the first game, especially for a promoted side, but with Everton in something of a reshuffle themselves, the opportunity is there.
Farke’s tactical setup—structured possession play, high pressing, and aggressive full-back play—should match up well against an Everton side that’s yet to settle fully. Summer addition Gabriel Gudmundsson offers fresh energy and attacking intent down the left flank, and this could be his stage to introduce himself to the Premier League.
Everton: Evolving, But Vulnerable
While Leeds arrive with momentum and a united dressing room, Everton come into the new season facing more questions than answers. David Moyes is back in charge, but the squad remains thin, particularly out wide** and in central midfield. Transfers have been slow, and their bench could look light for a Premier League fixture.
That said, you write off a Moyes team at your peril. He’ll have Everton organised, combative, and ready to exploit any naivety in this Leeds side. Their pre-season wasn’t sparkling, but they’re not here to impress with style—they’ll aim to frustrate, hit on the break, and nick something late on.
The big concern? Depth. Everton’s starting XI might be competitive, but over 90 minutes, especially against a high-energy Leeds side, they could tire or be forced into changes that weaken them. That’s where Leeds can win this game—by turning up the intensity in the final half-hour.
My biggest overall concern, the one that keeps me up at night?
**Jack Grealish vs Isaac Schmidt:
With the Toffees on the verge of signing the former Aston Villa captain, Jack Grealish. Comparisons are not only inevitable, they're unavoidable. And right now, Schmidt finds himself under growing scrutiny. His preseason performances have offered little reassurance; too often caught out of position and, on multiple occasions, appearing overwhelmed. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t seriously anxious about how this individual battle might unfold. Still… it’ll be right, won’t it? 🙈
Written by Lucy
