Paul Merson predicts result of Leeds United clash v Everton
Leeds United will travel to Goodison Park to take on Everton on Saturday (12 February) and they will be looking to return to winning ways.
Paul Merson is tipping them to do exactly that and predicts a 3-2 victory for Marcelo Bielsa’s side while previewing the Premier League clash in his Sportskeeda column.
The Whites are winless in their last two games and are four points ahead of the Toffees, heading into the game on the back of a 3-3 draw against Aston Villa.
Merson said: “Everton were fortunate that Norwich drew their game this week. If they’d held on to win it, Everton would be in major trouble now. This is a nightmare of a game for Frank Lampard.
“Leeds are a lovely team to watch, and you could see that against Aston Villa. They just never give up.
“This is a dangerous game for Everton. They were well beaten the other day. I didn’t like what Frank Lampard said after the game either – he said there’d be plenty more of these. That’s what he’s been brought in to stop.
“Everton were poor the other night. Leeds will put pressure on Everton at Goodison Park, and they’re going to play like they always play. A 0-0 with Leeds is very rare, and this will be an open football match. Both teams are defensively all over the place, but I’m going to back Leeds to win this game.”
Big game
Merson is predicting an open game and if that be the case, the visitors have a good chance of winning this one.
It was a thrilling contest against Villa where Daniel James shone once again. His pace and movement caused problems to Villa defenders throughout the game.
With towering defender Yerry Mina unavailable for this game, Leeds can look to inflict more damage to Everton who have just picked one win in the league since October.
The Whites have struggled with injuries badly this season, and they even failed to add bodies in the January transfer window.
Bielsa will be once again without the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford for this one, while Junior Firpo is also out injured.
Merson is right in admitting that it’s a “dangerous” game for the Toffees, and their new manager will be looking for a strong response.
Leeds will have to be prepared for that. They enjoy intense games and this fixture promises to be a cracker.
In other Leeds United news, Gary Lineker was left stunned by ‘Bonkers’ developments in Aston Villa draw this week