Leeds United v Everton – Preview

‘Twas the night before football..

Tomorrow is the first time that Elland Road will have seen a full crowd since March 2020.

For many of our players, this will be their first experience of just what makes Leeds United so special, the wall of noise that hits the players as they emerge from the tunnel and that spine tingling moment when Marching on Together begins.

Although I was fortunate to see the last home game of last season, it just wasn’t quite the same and I cannot wait for tomorrow. It genuinely feels like Christmas Eve!

Going to football is not just about the game, it is the build-up and the pre-match rituals that we all have and our matchday routine.

However for many, tomorrow will be a difficult first game back as so many have lost loved ones during the time away from football. We will remember them all during a minute’s applause before kick-off.

On the pitch, Leeds are looking to bounce back from the defeat to Manchester United last week and whilst we know Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t often like to change his team, we may see Kalvin Phillips return to the starting line up.

Phillips was named on the bench last Saturday after only a short pre-season following England duty. However, he has had another week of training and Bielsa may feel that he is ready for a start. Diego Llorente remains unavailable through injury with Pascal Struijk set to retain his place in defence.

Everton came out on top against Southampton last week but Rafa Benitez has doubts over Moise Kean, James Rodriguez and Andre Gomez.

Last season saw Everton win 2-1 at Elland Road back in February, but a full Elland Road is a different prospect indeed.

See you all tomorrow!

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