Jack Grealish To Start? | 4-3-3 Everton Predicted Starting Lineup Against Leeds United | OneFootball

Everton kick off the new Premier League season against Leeds United, and this match will be a very important one for the club to start their season on a good note. The team have lost their opening matches in the last three seasons, which have increased the pressure on the Toffees.

However, Everton performed well in the second half of last season and kept themselves in a safe place away from relegation zone with a series of wins. The club have signed some new players in the summer, but the defeats in pre-season indicate that all is not smooth. This time around, David Moyes would be hoping that the team avoids early setbacks and gains confidence from the very first match. Let us have a look at the predicted starting lineup of Everton in this game.

4-3-3 Everton Predicted Starting Lineup Against Leeds United:

Defence:

Jordan Pickford will be the most reliable name in Everton’s potential defence as a goalkeeper. His shot-stopping ability and experience will help the team get out of difficult situations. James Tarkowski and Michael Keane could play in the centre-back pairing, whose job will be to win aerial duels and stop Leeds’ fast attackers.

Vitaliy Mykolenko will be crucial on the left, providing defensive stability along with overlapping runs. O’Brien can be tried on the right, who will be expected to maintain balance in both defence and attack. Everton’s defence will have to remain disciplined in this match, as Leeds often try to put pressure in the opening minutes.

Midfield:

Idrissa Gueye’s presence will be important for Everton in the midfield, who will work to break up the play and stop the opposition’s attack. He will be accompanied by James Garner, who will be expected to maintain the passing tempo and provide line-breaking passes to the forward line.

New signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s creativity and energy can give the team more quality in the midfield. He is adept at moving the ball forward quickly, and his presence will give the team more variety in attack. This midfield combination can give Moyes balance in both defence and attack, but Leeds’ high-press strategy can give them a tough challenge.

Attack:

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Jack Grealish of Manchester City looks on from the bench prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Beto will be the main target man in Everton’s attack, who will play centrally and will be the team’s main source of goals. He will be surrounded by Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye. Grealish will be expected to create chances from the left and unsettle the opposition defence. His dribbling skills and goal-creating passes will give Everton an extra edge in attack.

Ndiaye will try to stretch the Leeds defence with his pace and movement from the right. This trio will only succeed if the midfield is well-coordinated and the defence gives them a confident platform to build attacks. Everton need to capitalise on early chances and put pressure on Leeds, as their biggest problem in recent seasons have been a slow start.