Michael Owen predicts result of Everton clash v Leeds United
Everton will face Leeds United at Goodison Park on Saturday (12 February) and Michael Owen reckons that the struggling Toffees could emerge with all three points.
The Merseyside club have been struggling with injury problems once again, but Owen has predicted a win for them in his Bet Victor column.
Leeds are heading into this game on the back of a thrilling 3-3 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park, while Everton lost their previous game 3-1 against Newcastle. So, both sides will be looking for a positive result here.
Owen said while predicting a 2-0 victory for Frank Lampard’s side: “A first Premier League game in charge at Goodison for Frank Lampard and Everton need the win here.
“It’s been a disastrous run of form, and the performance away at Newcastle on Tuesday wasn’t good enough. Frank will need time to implement his style at Everton, and a win here would help.
“Leeds probably should have claimed all three points against Villa, but it was an entertaining point. Dan James was the star of the show, his energy really setting the tempo for that Leeds performance.
“Leeds have had issues at the back all season, and I don’t see it getting better here. I think Lampard will get a first Premier League win as Everton boss.”
Must-win?
Everton have picked up just one win in the Premier League since October, and the results need to improve.
It won’t be an easy task against Leeds, with Lampard set to be without Yerry Mina and Demarai Gray for this game, both picking up injuries.
Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa share some history between them. When he was a manager of Derby County, Bielsa was charged for the infamous spy-gate case.
After a disastrous spell under Rafa Benitez, the Toffees fans are hopeful that Lampard can turn it around. Based on the performance against the Magpies, there’s little evidence to be optimistic about.
Leeds are without a win in their last two games, but Bielsa’s side are very unpredictable. They are entertaining to watch, and are capable of causing an upset.
Everton are four points behind Leeds, having played a game less. As a result, the clash on Saturday becomes a must-win game for them.
In other Everton news, Mark Lawrenson has made a score prediction for the huge clash with Leeds.