Everton vs Leeds Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Monday, 26 January

Everton vs Leeds Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips sets the stage for an exciting Premier League clash on Monday, 26 January. The match will be held at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton will host Leeds in a fixture that could prove pivotal for both sides. With each team eager to climb the league table, this encounter may have significant implications for their respective seasons.

Everton, playing at home, will look to make the most of their familiar surroundings at Hill Dickinson Stadium to secure vital points. Leeds, meanwhile, will be determined to challenge their hosts and improve their Premier League standing. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and this matchup could be crucial in shaping their campaigns. Fans and bettors alike will be keen to see how these two English sides perform in this highly anticipated contest.

Everton vs Leeds Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score: yes	1.91

Both teams have shown a tendency to find the back of the net in recent fixtures, making ‘Both Teams to Score’ our recommended betting tip. Leeds’ impressive scoring rate and Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities support this prediction.

• Leeds have scored in 77% of their matches this season, demonstrating their consistent attacking threat.
• Everton have conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game, highlighting defensive weaknesses that Leeds can exploit.
• Everton’s struggles against lower-half teams and Leeds’ ability to rise to the occasion against stronger opposition make both teams scoring likely.

Betting Odds

In this Premier League clash, Everton are slight favourites with odds of 2.49, but Leeds are not far behind at 2.97. The draw, priced at 3.16, suggests a closely contested match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. With both teams displaying inconsistent form, the match odds reflect the unpredictability of this encounter.

Betting Tip	Odds
Everton to win	2.49
Draw	3.16
Leeds to win	2.97

For those considering a bet, the potential for goals is worth noting, as both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities. The over 2.5 goals market could be worth exploring, given the attacking intent both sides have displayed in recent fixtures.

Everton Analysis & Past Performance

Everton’s recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. Their most recent outing resulted in a 1-0 away victory against Aston Villa, achieved through a disciplined defensive display despite having only 37% possession and conceding 18 shots.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Aston Villa	Everton	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	18 Jan 2026
Everton	Sunderland	N/A	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Everton	Wolverhampton	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Everton	Brentford	2 – 4 (Loss)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Nottingham Forest	Everton	0 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WLDLW

Over the last five games, Everton have averaged 1.40 goals per match while conceding 1.80, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that have led to just two clean sheets. At home, their performance has been less than impressive, with a win ratio of only 0.20, having secured just one victory in their last five home fixtures. This inconsistency is reflected in their league position of 11th, with 32 points. Thierno Barry remains a key attacking figure, leading as their top scorer with four goals this season.

Everton Suspensions & Injuries

The absence of Michael Keane due to suspension following a red card leaves a notable gap in Everton’s defence. With Keane unavailable for one more match, James Tarkowski will need to marshal the backline, which also includes Jake O’Brien and Nathan Patterson. Keane’s leadership and aerial ability will be missed, potentially making Everton vulnerable to set-pieces against Leeds.

Player	Suspension	Matches Left	Expected Return
Michael Keane	Red card	1	Unknown

Injuries also pose a challenge, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Tim Iroegbunam both doubtful due to hamstring and knock injuries, respectively. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carlos Alcaraz are expected to return in early 2026, while Jack Grealish remains sidelined with a broken foot until mid-April. These injuries limit Everton’s depth, especially in midfield, where players like Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner will need to shoulder more responsibility.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Jarrad Branthwaite	Hamstring Injury	Doubtful
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall	Hamstring Injury	Early January 2026
Carlos Alcaraz	Muscle Injury	Early February 2026
Tim Iroegbunam	Knock Injury	Doubtful
Jack Grealish	Broken Foot	Mid April 2026

Tactically, manager David Moyes is unlikely to make drastic changes, sticking with the 4-2-3-1 formation. However, the lack of depth could force Moyes to rely heavily on his available starters, which may impact Everton’s stamina and performance as the match progresses. Bettors should consider these absences, as they could affect Everton’s defensive solidity and midfield creativity.

Everton Key Players

Thierno Barry stands out as Everton’s top scorer, having netted four goals this season. His striking prowess and ability to find space in the opposition’s defence make him a crucial figure in Everton’s attack. Barry’s positional awareness and finishing skills will be vital as he looks to capitalise on any defensive weaknesses Leeds may present.

In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye commands the centre with his defensive acumen and ability to disrupt the opposition’s play. His partnership with James Garner, who provides a creative spark, is essential for controlling the game’s tempo. Defensively, James Tarkowski’s leadership and aerial ability strengthen Everton’s backline, making him indispensable in neutralising Leeds’ attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Everton:

• Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
• Defence: Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien, Vitaliy Mykolenko
• Midfield: Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner, Iliman Ndiaye, Merlin Roehl, Dwight McNeil
• Forward: Thierno Barry

The tactical influence of these key players could shape Everton’s approach, with Barry leading the line and Gueye anchoring the midfield. This combination of attacking flair and defensive solidity is crucial for Everton’s strategy against Leeds. The strengths of these players, particularly in transition play, offer Everton the potential to dictate the match’s rhythm and create scoring opportunities.

Everton Tactics and Formation

Everton Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Thierno Barry
• Midfield Pivot: Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks.

Everton’s manager, David Moyes, has chosen a 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing defensive solidity with attacking potential. The midfield pivot of Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner is crucial, offering both defensive cover and the ability to transition quickly into attack. This setup has contributed to two clean sheets in their last five matches, demonstrating defensive resilience.

In the attacking third, Thierno Barry leads the line, supported by creative midfielders Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil. The synergy among this trio is vital in breaking down opposition defences, with Barry being the top scorer with four goals this season.

Offensively, Everton often rely on quick transitions and counterattacks. The absence of Jack Grealish due to injury may impact their creative play, but the inclusion of Ndiaye is expected to compensate by providing additional flair and unpredictability in the attacking midfield role.

Leeds Analysis & Past Performance

Leeds’ recent form has been mixed, with their last five fixtures yielding two wins, one loss, and two draws. Their latest victory was a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham, demonstrating their ability to grind out results, especially at home. However, their away form remains a concern, having won only once in their last five away games, drawing three and losing one.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Leeds	Fulham	1 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Derby	Leeds	1 – 3 (Win)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
Newcastle	Leeds	4 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Leeds	Manchester United	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Leeds	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026

Recent Form:

• WWLDD

Leeds have been relatively consistent offensively, scoring an average of 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches. Defensively, they have conceded an average of 1.20 goals per game, keeping two clean sheets. This indicates a balanced approach with room for improvement, particularly in away games where they’ve struggled to maintain defensive solidity. Their current league standing is 16th, with 25 points, reflecting their ongoing battle to climb the table.

Leeds Suspensions & Injuries

Leeds will be without Daniel James due to a hamstring injury, which is expected to sideline him until early February. His pace and creativity on the wing will be missed, forcing a potential reshuffle in the attacking lineup. Anton Stach is also unavailable due to a muscle injury, with his return anticipated by mid-February. This absence could affect the central midfield dynamics, as Stach’s ability to control the game’s tempo has been vital.

Gabriel Gudmundsson remains doubtful with a muscle injury. His versatility in the defensive line means Leeds may need to rely on alternatives such as Sebastiaan Bornauw or James Justin, who can step into the back three. This could lead to a more conservative approach from Leeds, impacting their attacking thrust.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Daniel James	Hamstring Injury	Early February 2026
Anton Stach	Muscle Injury	Mid February 2026
Gabriel Gudmundsson	Muscle Injury	Doubtful

The tactical impact of these injuries could see Leeds adopt a more cautious 3-5-2 formation to ensure defensive solidity. The lack of width without James might result in a more centralised attacking focus, potentially affecting their effectiveness on the counter-attack. Betting markets may see these absences as detrimental, possibly influencing odds in favour of Everton.

Leeds Key Players

Leeds will rely heavily on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their top scorer with nine goals, to lead their attack against Everton. His physicality and intelligent positioning make him a constant threat in the box, and his ability to hold up play and involve teammates will be crucial for Leeds’ offensive efforts. Partnering him up front is Noah Okafor, whose pace and dribbling can unsettle defences, providing a dynamic edge to Leeds’ attack.

In midfield, Brenden Aaronson’s creativity and vision will be pivotal in orchestrating play, as his ability to find pockets of space and deliver key passes can unlock Everton’s defence. Defensively, the trio of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Joe Rodon, and Pascal Struijk will be tasked with maintaining a solid backline, with Bornauw’s aerial prowess and Rodon’s tackling being particularly valuable in neutralising opposition threats.

Expected lineup for Leeds:

• Goalkeeper: Karl Darlow
• Defence: Sebastiaan Bornauw, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk
• Midfield: Jayden Bogle, Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, James Justin
• Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor

Leeds Tactics and Formation

Leeds Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
• Midfield Pivot: Brenden Aaronson and Ethan Ampadu
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilises width and quick transitions.

Leeds United will likely continue with their 3-5-2 formation, providing both defensive resilience and attacking width. The back three of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Joe Rodon, and Pascal Struijk aim to ensure defensive solidity, having managed two clean sheets in their last five fixtures.

In midfield, Brenden Aaronson and Ethan Ampadu form a crucial pivot, tasked with controlling the game’s tempo and transitioning play from defence to attack. Jayden Bogle and James Justin, operating as wing-backs, are expected to exploit the flanks, offering width and contributing to both defensive duties and attacking moves.

Offensively, Leeds rely heavily on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, their top scorer with nine goals, and Noah Okafor to spearhead the attack. Their strategy often focuses on quick transitions and exploiting spaces left by opponents, a tactic that has proven effective with Leeds scoring in four of their last five matches.

Everton vs Leeds Head-to-Head Record

Everton and Leeds have an even head-to-head record, with six wins each and six draws in their last 18 encounters. Their most recent meeting saw Leeds edge out a 1-0 victory at home in the Premier League, demonstrating their ability to secure tight wins.

The last time Everton hosted Leeds at Hill Dickinson Stadium, they claimed a 1-0 victory back in February 2023. This suggests Everton might have a slight advantage when playing at home, particularly given their solid defensive record in these fixtures.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Leeds United	Everton	1 – 0	Premier League	2025-08-18
Everton	Leeds United	1 – 0	Premier League	2023-02-18
Leeds United	Everton	1 – 1	Premier League	2022-08-30
Everton	Leeds United	3 – 0	Premier League	2022-02-12
Leeds United	Everton	2 – 2	Premier League	2021-08-21