Everton vs Leeds Preview: Lineups, Calvert-Lewin Return & Watch Guide

Key Points

• Everton will host Leeds United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday, bolstered by their recent 1-0 win against third-placed Aston Villa and the return of several key players from international duty and injury recovery.
• The Toffees aim to make amends for their 1-0 season-opening loss to Daniel Farke’s Leeds at Elland Road, with a victory potentially closing the gap to the top four to just one point.
• Thierno Barry scored the decisive near-post chip goal against Aston Villa close to the hour mark, securing Everton’s first win of 2026 and lifting them into the top half of the standings, with only four points separating them from the top four.
• Everton have welcomed back Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye following Senegal’s victorious AFCON campaign, but Jack Grealish is out for potentially the remainder of the season with a foot injury.
• Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Charly Alcaraz have resumed training, though Monday’s fixture may come too soon for their return.
• Everton’s away form has been strong, winning four and losing just one of their last seven away contests, but their home record at Hill Dickinson Stadium is poor, with three losses and one draw in the last four games there.
• Former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left after nine years to join Leeds this summer, has scored nine goals for the Yorkshire side this season, adding intrigue to his return to Merseyside.
• Leeds United snapped a four-game winless streak with a 1-0 victory over Fulham last Saturday, thanks to Lukas Nmecha’s injury-time goal; they sit 16th in the league and have not won since a 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace in December.

Everton (The Leeds Times) January 26, 2026 – Everton are set to host Leeds United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday in a Premier League clash charged with redemption and momentum. Fresh from a gritty 1-0 victory over third-placed Aston Villa, the Toffees welcome back key players amid a chaotic week of returns and injuries. A win could propel them within one point of the top four, avenging their earlier 1-0 defeat to Daniel Farke’s side at Elland Road.

What Boosts Everton’s Confidence Heading into the Match?

Everton enter this fixture riding high after a depleted side stunned Aston Villa 1-0 on the road. As detailed in coverage from ToffeeWeb, Unai Emery’s Villa had won 11 games on the bounce across all competitions before facing the Blues, yet Thierno Barry’s near-post chip close to the hour mark secured Everton’s first triumph of 2026. This result lifted them into the top half of the standings, with only four points now separating them from the top four positions.

The club has seen significant squad movement last week. Everton have welcomed back Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye following their victorious AFCON campaign with Senegal, as reported in ToffeeWeb’s update. However, tragedy struck with Jack Grealish sidelined for potentially the remainder of the season due to a foot injury. Jarrad Branthwaite, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Charly Alcaraz have resumed training with the group, but Monday’s game against Leeds could prove too soon for their involvement.​

Everton’s away form provides further optimism—they have won four and lost just one of their last seven contests on the road. Yet, their recent record at Hill Dickinson Stadium tempers enthusiasm, having lost three and drawn one of the last four games at the waterfront venue.​

Why Does Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Return Add Drama?

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s homecoming to Merseyside forms a compelling subplot. The striker, who departed Everton after nine years this summer, has netted nine goals for Leeds United this season. ToffeeWeb highlighted his return in their editorial, noting the interest it generates given his history with the club.​

Calvert-Lewin’s form underscores Leeds’ attacking threat. Observers note his standout performance against Manchester United earlier this season, where, at just 28, he outshone a £74m No 9 like Benjamin Šeško, becoming the first Leeds player to score in six consecutive Premier League games.

How Have Leeds United Fared Recently?

Leeds United halted a four-game winless streak with a dramatic 1-0 win over Fulham last Saturday. Lukas Nmecha’s injury-time goal proved decisive, as covered across match reports. Currently 16th in the league table, Leeds have not secured a league victory since their 4-1 thrashing of Crystal Palace in December.​

Under Daniel Farke, Leeds have shown resilience. The Yorkshire Observer audit reports they have lost just once in 2026—a 4-3 defeat at Newcastle—their only reverse in the past 10 matches, including seven unbeaten in the league, their best top-flight run since 2001. Farke has instilled a settled formula, providing clear water above the relegation zone. Recent successes include wins over Chelsea and Crystal Palace, plus draws with Liverpool (twice) and Manchester United.​

Leeds’ ownership by Delaware-based 49ers Enterprises, who completed a £170m full takeover in July 2023 post-relegation, has stabilised the club. Fan sentiment at Elland Road remains cautiously hopeful, braced for challenges yet passionate about the team’s emerging identity.​

What Are the Predicted Lineups?

Drawing from ToffeeWeb’s previews and standard tactical insights, Everton’s likely lineup reflects their recent returns. David Moyes may opt for a 4-2-3-1: Pickford; Tarkowski, Mykolenko, O’Brien, Patterson; Gueye, Garner; Harrison, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Beto. This accounts for Grealish’s absence and the possible early returnees like Branthwaite.

For Leeds, Daniel Farke’s preferred 4-2-3-1 could feature: Meslier; Gray, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Gruev, Ampadu; Rutter, Aaronson, Summerville; Calvert-Lewin. Nmecha’s heroics may earn him a bench role, with Calvert-Lewin leading the line.​​

These predictions prioritise form players, with Everton emphasising midfield solidity via Gueye and Leeds banking on Calvert-Lewin’s scoring streak.

Where Can Fans Watch the Match?

The game kicks off at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday evening, with broadcast details standard for Premier League fixtures. UK viewers can tune into Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 7:00 PM GMT, with coverage starting at 6:30 PM. Streaming options include the Sky Go app and NOW TV for non-subscribers. Highlights will air on Match of the Day 2 later that night on BBC One. International fans should check local broadcasters like Peacock in the US or Optus Sport in Australia.​

Tickets for the waterfront venue sold out swiftly, reflecting Everton’s home draw despite recent struggles there.

What Are the Tactical Battles to Watch?

Everton’s quest for home redemption clashes with Leeds’ survival push. The Toffees’ strong away record contrasts their Hill Dickinson woes, while Leeds’ recent unbeaten streak signals danger. Key matchups include Gueye’s tenacity against Leeds’ creative midfielders Aaronson and Rutter, and Calvert-Lewin facing his old defensive partners Tarkowski and Branthwaite (if fit).

Farke’s counter-attacking style, honed in recent draws against top sides, will test Everton’s newfound confidence post-Villa. Barry’s emergence as a goal threat adds unpredictability for the Blues.

Broader Context: League Standings and Stakes

Everton’s top-half position post-Villa win heightens stakes—a victory narrows the top-four gap to one point. Leeds, mid-table at 16th, eye safety; their winless run before Fulham underscored vulnerability, but Nmecha’s clutch goal and Calvert-Lewin’s form suggest momentum.​​

The fixture revives early-season echoes: Leeds’ Elland Road win set a tone Everton now seeks to reverse. With AFCON heroes back and injuries mounting, Sean Dyche’s squad depth faces scrutiny.

Expert Views and Fan Reactions

As reported by ToffeeWeb correspondents, Everton fans buzz with Villa optimism yet wary of home frailty. Leeds supporters, per Yorkshire coverage, praise Farke’s formula amid takeover stability. Neutral analysts highlight Calvert-Lewin’s subplot as pivotal—his nine goals embody Leeds’ threat.​​

This preview synthesises all available reports, ensuring no detail escapes: from Barry’s chip to Nmecha’s late strike, every element shapes Monday’s narrative. Neutral observers anticipate a tight affair, with Everton’s returns tipping scales at home.