In a weekend of high-drama fixtures, the Monday night spotlight falls on a clash of traditions as Everton face Leeds United on January 26, 2026.
While the Big Six battles take the headlines, this match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium carries massive weight for two sides looking to solidify their status in the middle of the pack.
The narrative: experience vs momentum
This fixture is a tactical tug-of-war between two very different managerial styles. David Moyes, back at the helm of Everton, has instilled a familiar defensive grit, while Daniel Farke has Leeds playing a brave, high-possession game that has seen them lose only once in their last nine outings.
- Everton (10th, 32 pts): The Toffees are riding high after a “sensational” 1-0 away win against Aston Villa. Moyes has focused on making Everton hard to beat, resulting in a league-high 9 clean sheets this season.
- Leeds United (16th, 25 pts): Newly promoted but far from intimidated, Leeds arrive on the back of a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Fulham. Despite their lower league position, they actually outscore Everton on average, though their defensive record (37 goals conceded) remains their Achilles’ heel.
⏪️ Rewind: Everton pic.twitter.com/WCuZxcmLUO
— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 23, 2026
Team news & probable lineups
Both managers have key decisions to make, with AFCON returns and fresh injury concerns shaping the team sheets.
Everton
The big boost for the Blues is the return of Iliman Ndiaye, back from AFCON glory with Senegal. His return is timely, as Jack Grealish remains sidelined with a long-term injury. James Garner is also expected to anchor the midfield after a record-breaking fantasy performance.
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Probable XI: Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, O’Brien, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; McNeil, Armstrong, Ndiaye; Barry.
Senegal stun hosts Morocco to win AFCON after final of extraordinary chaos
Leeds United
Daniel Farke faces a late fitness test for Gabriel Gudmundsson (adductor). However, the big story is Dominic Calvert-Lewin returning to his old stomping ground; the striker is Leeds’ top scorer this season and will be desperate to haunt his former club.
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Probable XI: Perri; Bijol, Rodon, Struijk; Bogle, Aaronson, Ampadu, Gruev, Gudmundsson; Calvert-Lewin, Okafor.
Player to Watch: Iliman Ndiaye
Everton’s X-factor is back. Iliman Ndiaye is the creative hub for David Moyes, leading the team in shots on target and successful dribbles.
In a match likely to be defined by tight margins, his ability to create something from nothing will be the primary threat to a Leeds defense that has struggled to keep clean sheets on the road.
Iliman Ndiaye at Everton: career, salary, market value and more
Key stats & betting tips
| Feature | Everton | Leeds United |
| League Position | 10th | 16th |
| Last Match | 1-0 Win (vs Aston Villa) | 1-0 Win (vs Fulham) |
| Defense | 25 Goals Conceded | 37 Goals Conceded |
Best Betting Tips
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Total goals: Under 2.5 – 1.73 on 1xbet
Everton’s Moyes-era pragmatism has led to four of their last five games ending with under 2.5 goals. Leeds, while attacking, have found goals harder to come by away from Elland Road.
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Match result: Everton Win – 2.59 on 1xbet
Home advantage is the deciding factor here. Leeds have managed just one victory in eleven road trips this season, while Everton are beginning to turn their new stadium into a genuine fortress.
