Mark Lawrenson predicts outcome of huge Everton clash with Leeds United
Mark Lawrenson has made his prediction for the crunch Premier League meeting between Everton and Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The ex-Liverpool man believes the Toffees supporters have a massive role to play in a tight game, against an opponent who have found some fight.
Frank Lampard’s side fell to a miserable defeat at Newcastle in midweek, while Marcelo Bielsa’s men played out a barnstorming 3-3 at Aston Villa, but the pundit thinks Saturday will see a 1-0 home win.
Writing in his regular BBC column, Lawrenson says: “Leeds seemed to have got some of their feistiness back in their draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday, which is important for them – it has been missing for most of the season.
“Everton have got injury problems in the centre of their defence but they have been struggling at the back for a while now anyway, even when everyone was fit.
“I am still going for Frank Lampard’s side to win this one, but it won’t be easy and the crowd will definitely play a big part in making that happen.
“That is a big thing that Everton have as a positive now. The discord you saw in the stands when Rafael Benitez was in the dugout has gone, and of course it makes a massive difference when everyone is together and behind the team.”
Consequential
After such an encouraging first game in charge with the cup win over Brentford, the new boss came back down to earth hard at St James Park.
Against a fellow struggler the visitors looked clearly inferior, and the injuries topped off a miserable night.
Yerry Mina is likely to be missing and Demarai Gray is touch and go to add to Lampard’s worries.
But Dominic Calvert-Lewin may be back to start after another injury, and Vitaliy Mykolenko should return after illness.
The fans are surely going to be crucial for the remainder of the season, as the team suddenly looked lifted in front of the hopeful support last weekend, before wilting on the road.
Football moves quickly and another damaging defeat here could quickly change the story on the new manager and signings, after such a build up of positivity following the end of the transfer window and the FA Cup win.
The Toffees will need to avoid defeat at all cost, and three points would bring many back onside.
In other Everton news, one member of the coaching staff has been backed for success by a Chelsea source after his experience there.