As Leeds United prepare for their Premier League opener v Everton by bringing in new signings, Everton appear to be having far less positive preparations.
Things appear to be looking up for Leeds as they look to sign Noah Okafor, who faced them during their pre-season fixture last weekend.
With the Yorkshire side finally looking like they could secure the offensive reinforcements Daniel Farke has been asking for, it’s looking a lot less positive for Everton.
The Toffees have been reportedly dealt another injury blow, after already having Vitalii Mykolenko sidelined, something Leeds will have to take advantage of.
Leeds United could take advantage of another Everton injury
It was revealed earlier this week that Everton are set to be without left-back Vitalii Mykolenko for their season opener.
Now, it appears Everton’s luck has got worse with centre back Jarrad Branthwaite injuring his hamstring in training.
According to the Daily Mail, the 23-year old is understood to have aggravated the same hamstring in his right thigh that saw him limp off in the final game at Goodison against Southampton in May.
This leaves Everton manager David Moyes with a serious headache, but a big advantage for Leeds United.
No matter the formation Everton now choose, they could be playing out of position, or in a new system entirely, which could force mistakes that Leeds can capitalise on.
Leeds United’s likely line-up v Everton on Monday
Based on recent pre-season form and transfer activity, Leeds United’s starting XI for their Premier League opener against Everton could be quite the mixture of new faces and established players from last season.
With Lucas Perri being handed the number one shirt pre-season, we can expect to see him starting in goal, leaving out Illan Meslier who is attracting attention from PSG.
The defence is likely to be anchored by Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk at centre-back, with Jaka Bijol suspended for the match. On the flanks, Jayden Bogle is a doubt with a hip injury, so Gabriel Gudmundsson could fill in.
In midfield, Ethan Ampadu will provide a defensive front, with new arrivals Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach offering energy and creativity.
The attack will likely be led by last season’s top scorer, Joel Piroe, with potentially Willy Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha alongside. Given Everton’s defensive gaps, these three will be hoping to run riot at Elland Road. Another player who could form Leeds’ attack is their latest apparent signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who could be available to face his former club.
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