Everton vs Leeds United
I remember this Premier League clash a year ago.
The scoreline was far more one-sided than the actual game but it was Everton who were celebrating an afternoon full of Premier League highlights to give new boss Frank Lampard a dream start.
However, it proved to be the falsest of dawns as the initial ‘bounce’ effect of a new manager lasted only a matter of weeks and the Toffees only preserved their long, proud top-flight status in the penultimate match.
Leeds, meanwhile, went even closer to the trapdoor and were only guaranteed to be safe in the closing moments of the final day of the season.
Shortly afterwards that clash at Goodison Park, incidentally, they parted company with the hugely popular Marcelo Bielsa.
Twelve months on and you may not be surprised to hear that both clubs again have new men at the helm (one in temporary charge) and there is a distinct feeling of deja-vu.
Yet this time there is renewed hope in both camps.
Talking Points
For a start, Everton have now acquired a manager who, far from a rookie, has a proven track record at this end of the table.
Sean Dyche made a name for himself from solid defensive organisation and shock victories and that was evident in his first outing in charge as he inspired the Toffees to victory over league leaders Arsenal as Everton proved organised and resilient at the back.
The man Burnley fans fondly nicknamed the ‘Ginger Mourinho’ will know that making Goodison a cauldron can play a big part in their bid to beat the drop and the visit of fellow strugglers Leeds is a key contest.
There is still much to do, as shown on Monday night in the Merseyside derby when Dyche admitted his players failed to reproduce the quality or intensity that brought victory over Arsenal.
They weren’t helped either by the loss of Dominic Calvert-Lewin whose absence really leaves them lightweight in attacking numbers.
Yet the improvement is clear.
Unlike Everton, at the time of writing, the Yorkshire club do not have a main man at the helm after Bielsa’s successor Jesse Marsch was shown the door 10 days ago.
An array of names have been linked with the post but, to date, the search has drawn a blank, while the comments of chairman Andrea Radrizzani have done little to bring confidence or certainty to the position.
It is understood the club identified five candidates in their search for Marsch’s replacement.
Former Leeds assistant boss Carlos Corberán has signed a new contract at West Brom, Arne Slot has opted to remain at Feyenoord and an approach for Rayo Vallecano head coach Andoni Iraola was blocked by his club. Celtic’s Ange Postecoglou had also been linked with the vacancy.
It is also understood the club considered a short-term replacement in former Ajax manager Alfred Schreuder but that has failed to progress further.
Whoever takes charge, though, should be able to take heart from two displays under caretaker Michael Skubala who presided over two decent performances as Leeds drew 2-2 at Manchester United last Wednesday before losing to the same side four days later.
In both games, Leeds performed admirably and more showings like that and they should survive.
Certainty is vital, however – a trait both clubs will be well aware as they look to avoid the nerve-wracking finale they both encountered last term.
History
I was quite surprised when I read that Leeds held the upper hand in meetings between these two clubs, the first of which was back in 1924.
Since then, the Yorkshire club have triumphed on 52 occasions, their most recent, a 1-0 success at Goodison Park in November 2020.
Everton have won 35 of their clashes with another 34 matches ending level.
As well as the meeting in the corresponding fixture last season which I referred to – when Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane and Anthony Gordon were the goal-getters – the teams played out a 1-1 draw earlier this season at Elland Road.
On that occasion, Gordon (now of Newcastle) opened the scoring before Luis Sinisterra levelled for the hosts.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds give Everton the edge, priced 1X2 @ 2.36 compared to Leeds 1X2 @ 2.92.
Another draw is on offer @ 3.30, while another 1-1 draw is available @ 5.40 with Correct Score.
What Everton would give for another convincing 3-0 home win, which will pay out @ 26.00.
Goal options include over 2.75 @ 2.33, total goal 0-1 @ 3.15, 2-3 @ 1.90 and 4-6 @ 3.75.
Weighing it all up, I do think this will be close, and I do think there will be a few goals so my *** tip is going to be over 2.75 @ 2.33.
A tense but entertaining spectacle awaits.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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