Hill Dickinson Stadium is getting ready for a massive Premier League match. Everton host Leeds United in a big 2026 fixture. David Moyes has some tough selection calls to make before kickoff. He has to rely heavily on his squad players now. Injuries and suspensions has hit the main starters hard. So, the Toffees need to show real grit to get a result against their old rivals.
4-2-3-1 Predicted Everton Starting Lineup Against Leeds United:
Defence
Things start with Jordan Pickford. He keeps his spot as the clear number one goalkeeper. But with players out, Moyes has to patch together the defence in front of him. Michael Keane is out on suspension. Also, Jarrad Branthwaite has a nagging hamstring injury that likely keeps him out.
Jake O’Brien steps in to partner with the tough James Tarkowski in central defence. This new pair needs to get on the same page fast to stop Leeds’ attacks. On the wings, Nathan Patterson starts at right-back.
He needs to help with the attack without losing his man in defence. Meanwhile, Vitalii Mykolenko takes the left-back spot. These four defenders need to stay sharp. Since O’Brien and Tarkowski haven’t played together much, Leeds might find gaps to exploit.
Midfield
Injuries really thin out the midfield. These gaps take away the team’s main playmakers. Kieran Dewsbury-Hall is still a big doubt with a hamstring issue. Carlos Alcaraz is dealing with a muscle problem, too. These injuries leave the manager with very few options in the middle of the pitch.
James Garner sits deep in midfield next to Merlin Röhl. Garner’s passing is huge in this spot. Röhl has to work hard and cover a lot of grass to protect the back line. Further up, Armstrong takes on the job of creating chances in the attacking midfield role.
The youngster fills in for Jack Grealish. A broken foot keeps Grealish on the sidelines until mid-April. Armstrong needs to find open space quickly. The team rely on his vision to move the ball forward since their star creator is missing.
Attack
Thierno Barry leads the line up front. He needs to hold the ball up and take his chances in the box. He’s big and strong, which fits the lone striker role in this 4-2-3-1 setup. Barry gives the team a target for long balls.
Help comes from out wide. Dwight McNeil starts on the left. His crossing from free kicks and open play is Everton’s best way to score. On the right, Adam Aznou brings a different style. He uses his dribbling to cut inside or take on defenders.
Tim Iroegbunam is carrying a knock, so there isn’t much backup on the bench. This front four has to keep their energy up and stay clinical. They need to stay focused throughout the game to break down a tough Leeds defence.
