Chris Sutton predicts Leeds United scoreline v Everton, reacts to Elland Road manager latest
Chris Sutton expects Leeds United’s winless run to continue when they face Everton in a mammoth clash on Saturday (18 February).
The former Norwich striker claims the failure to appoint a replacement for Jesse Marsch will have a detrimental effect on the Whites’ chances of sealing victory.
In his regular BBC Sport predictions column (16 February), Sutton claimed, “This is a very hard one to call. Leeds still don’t have a new manager, but they do have some talented attacking players.
“One day, things will really click for them and they will take their opportunities – but they have already been waiting a while for that to happen, because they have not won a league game since Bonfire Night.”
Leeds and Everton go into the game sitting 17th and 18th in the league respectively.
The Whites have one point more than the Toffees, who were run ragged by a resurgent Liverpool on Monday (13 February).
Attack trumps defence
As Sutton asserts, this game will be won and lost by both sides’ attacks.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be a massive miss for Sean Dyche’s side as they look to record a second win under his stewardship.
Ellis Simms was chosen to lead the line at Anfield and he barely laid a glove on the Reds’ defence before being hauled off later in the game.
His replacement, Neal Maupay, has only scored once all season and not since 18 September. It would be a tragedy if the Toffees manage to slip one past Illan Meslier.
Pressure will be high and Everton will start quickly. Goodison may well be a cauldron with more protests against Bill Kenwright and Co. planned for before, during and after the game.
With Everton likely to push forward early on, this could leave space in behind for what Sutton calls Leeds’ “talented attackers”, who are in far better form than the Everton frontmen.
After all, it hasn’t been a lack of goals that has hampered the Whites this season.
In other Leeds United news, click here to see breaking, around-the-clock updates on Leeds’ search for a new manager in our interactive live blog.
Be sure to follow MOT Leeds News on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest, breaking news from Elland Road.