Everton will look to make a solid start to the new campaign as they take on Leeds United at Elland Road on Monday.
The Toffees comfortably secured Premier League survival with a 13th-place finish last season, while the West Yorkshire outfit were crowned Championship champions to earn promotion to the top-flight.
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Daniel Farke took over Leeds United as manager in 2023 and nearly led them to promotion in his first season, with the team losing to Southampton in the play-off final.
However, he achieved that feat last term as his team dominated the Championship from start to finish to be crowned champions and secure top-flight promotion.
Now Leeds are aiming for survival in the Premier League, and have made some quality additions to the squad to help them achieve their goal.
However, the Whites failed to impress during pre-season, recording draws in all three matches against Manchester United, Villarreal and AC Milan.
Meanwhile, Everton have not had a good pre-season either. They failed to win any of their six games, losing four and drawing two.
After an opening stalemate to Accrington Stanley, the Merseyside club lost three consecutive fixtures to Blackburn Rovers, Bournemouth and West Ham United.
Everton then played out a 2-2 draw against Manchester United before losing 1-0 to Roma in their final club friendly.
The Toffees have brought in some quality players this summer, which should be a big boost for them.
Thierno Barry arrived early at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Adam Aznou, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish have also joined David Moyes’ side.
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Vitaly Mykolenko picked up an injury in the 1-0 loss to Roma, and so he is a doubt for Monday’s away clash. Everton will also be missing Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson who are both struggling with fitness issues.
As for Leeds, Jaka Bijol will serve his suspension after his red card in the last game of the Serie A season for Udinese. Meanwhile, the availability of Lucas Perri, Jayden Bogle and Sebastian Bornauw is also doubtful.
Leeds United vs Everton potential line-ups
Leeds United: Perri; Schmidt, Struijk, Rodon, Gudmundsson; Ampadu, Stach; James, Tanaka, Gnonto; Piroe
Everton: Pickford; Aznou, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, O’Brien; Gueye, Garner; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Alcaraz; Barry
Leeds United vs Everton prediction
Leeds will be playing in front of their home crowd, but given Everton’s experience and squad depth, the visitors should come away with maximum points from West Yorkshire.
Leeds United 1-2 Everton