Match Preview: Everton vs. Leeds United
Date: Monday, 26 January 2026
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Monday night football comes from the banks of the Mersey this week as a rejuvenated Everton welcome Leeds United to the Hill Dickinson Stadium. For the hosts, it is a chance to build on the immediate “new manager bounce” enjoyed under the returning David Moyes. For the visitors, the narrative is dominated by one man: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who returns to face his former club in the form of his life.
The Managers
The appointment of David Moyes on January 11 sent shockwaves through the fanbase, but the Scot has wasted no time in steadying the ship. Replacing Sean Dyche, Moyes has already delivered a tactical masterclass, overseeing a gritty 1-0 victory away at high-flying Aston Villa in his first league game back in charge. His opposite number, Daniel Farke, finds himself in a more precarious position. Leeds sit 16th, hovering dangerously above the relegation zone, though a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Fulham last week has provided some breathing room.
Recent Form
Everton (10th) enter this fixture with renewed optimism.
W 1-0 vs Aston Villa (A) – Premier League
L 1-1 (lost on pens) vs Sunderland (H) – FA Cup
D 1-1 vs Wolves (H) – Premier League
Leeds United (16th) have been inconsistent but dangerous going forward.
W 1-0 vs Fulham (H) – Premier League
L 3-4 vs Newcastle United (A) – Premier League
D 1-1 vs Manchester United (H) – Premier League
Team News & Injuries
The headline news for Everton is the devastating loss of Jack Grealish. The loanee, who has been instrumental this season, suffered a stress fracture in his foot during the win at Villa Park and is ruled out indefinitely. Michael Keane is also unavailable due to suspension.
However, Moyes has received a timely boost with the return of AFCON winners Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Both are back at Finch Farm following Senegal’s triumph, though they face late fitness tests to determine if they can start. Young midfielder Harrison Armstrong, who dazzled against Villa, may retain his place if the veterans aren’t fully sharp. Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have resumed training but Monday may come too soon for their involvement.
For Leeds, the injury room remains busy. Dan James is confirmed out with a hamstring issue. There are significant doubts over Gabriel Gudmundsson and Anton Stach, both struggling with adductor problems. Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle are expected to shake off fatigue and minor knocks to feature in the squad.
Key Battle: The Return of DCL
All eyes will be on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The striker left Everton in the summer after a frustrating end to his nine-year tenure, but his revival under Farke has been nothing short of sensational. With eight goals in his last ten games, he arrives at Everton’s new waterfront home looking to prove a point. He will be up against a defensive unit marshaled by James Tarkowski, who will need to be at his physical best to contain his former teammate.
On the other end, Everton will look to Thierno Barry, whose deft chip secured all three points against Villa. With Grealish out, the creative burden will likely fall on Dwight McNeil and the potentially returning Ndiaye to service the young striker.
Verdict
This is a fixture defined by narratives: Moyes’ homecoming, the new stadium finding its voice, and Calvert-Lewin’s return. Everton’s defensive resilience at Villa suggested Moyes has already instilled a harder edge to the side. While Leeds possess firepower, their defensive frailty—conceding four against Newcastle recently—could be their undoing against a disciplined Moyes setup.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Leeds United