Matchday #01: Leeds United v Everton

It’s finally here - Matchday 01, home vs Everton. The Quest For Survival begins today.

Date: 18 August, 2025.

Opponent: Everton

Site: Elland Road, Leeds

American TV: USA Network/NBCSports.com

Weather: 66°, 11mph wind.

Betting Market: Leeds United 13/10 to win; Everton 2/1 to win; 12/5 to draw

Set-Up:

Leeds manager Daniel Farke’s Premier League managerial record is nothing to fly over the stadium: 6 wins, 35 losses, 8 draws. This can be explained by Norwich City’s unwillingness to field a competitive team, so this is Farke’s first chance at the Premier League team with an ownership that actually has every intention of succeeding.

Leeds United have not lost a home opener since August 13, 2016, a Championship campaign in which they lost to the Fightin’ Tom Bradies of Birmingham City. Summer signing Jaka Bijol is out serving a stupid suspension from last season’s Serie A finale.

Everton got a point in 12 of their 19 away games in 2024-25 (6 wins, 6 draws). The last time Everton recorded a point in their opening away game was all the way back on August 21, 2021 - a 2-2 draw against [checks notes] [swears loudly] Leeds United. Everton’s Jarred Branthwaite is out with injury.