Exclusive: Kevin Campbell predicts result of Everton clash v Leeds
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell backs former club Everton to beat Leeds United 2-1 at Elland Road on Wednesday night but admits either side can “beat anyone” on their day.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men were left stunned on Saturday when they were beaten 2-0 at Goodison Park by struggling Newcastle.
It was just the Blues’ second defeat in their last nine Premier League matches but Campbell predicts they will be able to bounce back at Leeds on Wednesday, even though Marcelo Bielsa’s side are fresh off the back of winning 3-1 away to Leicester.
“Leeds had a great result against Leicester but I think when they’re playing at home, teams can sometimes catch them out,” Campbell told Goodison News.
“Everton have been better away from Goodison at times this season so fingers crossed it’s going to be a good game.
“But it depends on which of these teams turn up. On their day, Leeds could give anyone a game and beat anyone and we know Everton can beat anyone.
“I’m going to go for Everton to win 2-1.”
Leeds won 1-0 at Goodison earlier this season when Raphinha scored a late winner for the Yorkshire club in the first meeting between the two clubs in eight years.
Both Leeds and Everton have won more points on the road this season than they have done at home and that bodes well for the Toffees going into their trip to Elland Road.
Leeds have won just three of their nine matches at Elland Road, where the pitch has been relaid [Telegraph] since their last match due to it cutting up horribly in their last home fixture when they lost to Brighton on January 16.
While the state of the pitch isn’t the only reason why Bielsa’s men have struggled at home, it could be something that will help them going into their meeting with Everton.
However, the situation will be the same for both sides and we assume Ancelotti will be far happier to see his players running about on a fresh new surface rather than the cabbage patch that was previously in effect at Elland Road.
In other Everton news, Campbell is impressed by Yerry Mina’s improvement this season.