Luke Ayling praises Everton quality ahead of Leeds United clash
Leeds United host Everton on Saturday in their first home Premier League game of the new campaign, and Luke Ayling cannot wait.
The defender is eager to see the Whites fans on their return to Elland Road in full capacity, but he knows getting a victory at the visitors’ expense will not be easy.
Leeds suffered a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United last weekend, while Everton secured a 3-1 win over Southampton.
Ayling reckons the Toffees boast of strength at both ends of the pitch, telling LUTV (via Yorkshire Evening Post): “On the weekend they scored three goals so they ain’t all about sitting back and trying to keep a clean sheet.
“They have got quality going forward and are very strong at the back so it’s going to be a hard game.
“Us boys lost a lot of games last year but then we always came back and played alright after a big defeat. That’s the plan this week.”
Exciting clash
Everton were a goal down after 45 minutes against the Saints, but we bounced back and grabbed three goals in the second-half.
It was the perfect way for Rafa Benitez to begin his managerial tenure at Goodison Park, and he will now be looking to make another statement at Elland Road.
Leeds are a tough team to beat at home, and having their fans back will surely hand them a huge boost.
However, as it was on display at Old Trafford, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have a lot of flaws that can be exploited, and getting a win at Yorkshire is very much possible.
Ayling knows what our attack and defence are capable of on their day, but we need to be fully focused and be on top of our game for the whole 90 minutes against a Leeds side still licking their wounds.
It is going to be a tough game without a doubt, and it is not an easy one to call as nothing separates both teams in terms of squad quality.
The battle will most likely be won on the touchline, and Bielsa and Benitez will be more than keen to outdo each other tactically in their first-ever Premier League meeting.
In other Everton news, Toffees want to sign midfielder, £10m would get deal done.
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