Leeds United take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday evening in the Premier League and Nigel Martyn has exclusively given his prediction to LeedsUnited.News, ahead of the clash between two of his former clubs.
Both sides have made decent starts to Premier League life. Under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds have taken the Premier League by storm with their style of play that has pushed Liverpool all the way – and earned draws against Manchester City and Arsenal. The Whites could have easily won those matches – but have lost to the likes of Leicester, Crystal Palace and Wolves.
Everton, meanwhile, began in stunning fashion – winning their first four Premier League matches. New signings James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure are all shining, while Dom Calvert-Lewin is in the form of his life. Since that excellent start, Everton have managed to win just one of their last five – beating Fulham on Sunday 3-2.
Both sides come into Sunday’s match, then, off the back of very strong performances with Leeds only disheartened by their inability to score in a match which they dominated Arsenal. Martyn, who played for both clubs throughout his illustrious career, has predicted an exciting match with goals – namely, a 2-2.
“It’s a really open game that one. Both teams are going to be confident given their last results and performance. It’s a real tough one, for me. I can see positives and negatives on both sides – I think there will be goals. If you want an actual prediction, I would stick money on a 2-2 draw,” Martyn told LeedsUnited.News.
Bielsa has confirmed that Leeds will still be without Pablo Hernandez, as well as Diego Llorente, Jamie Shackleton and long-term absentee Adam Forshaw. However, Raphinha is expected to continue while a knock to Kalvin Phillips’ knee against Arsenal looks as though it has not affected the England international – and he is likely to start.
Everton, meanwhile, have suffered a big injury blow in the form of Lucas Digne. French magazine France Football claim Digne has suffered an ankle injury which could keep him sidelined for two months. Seamus Coleman and Jean-Philippe Gbamin remain sidelined with longer issues.
