Everton will face off against Leeds United in a rematch of the first game of the season. The circumstances regarding each team have changed since then, with the Toffees pushing for European football and Leeds exceeding expectations.
Here are three ways Everton can improve on their last performance against them and secure the victory.
1. Control the tempo
In their first encounter this season with Everton, Leeds controlled possession 54% of the time according to FotMob. Their constant threat on the ball didn’t allow the Toffees to create much offensively.
If Everton want a win, they’ll have to control possession and turn that control into chances. Leeds and Everton aren’t a particularly strong sides offensively, so one or two goals might be enough to secure the win for either squad.
2. No silly mistakes in defense
Everton only lost last time out against Leeds because of a controversial penalty call. The call was subject to debate, with many fans split on whether it was the correct decision.
Leeds were awarded a penalty against Everton due to a handball from James Tarkowski.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 18, 2025
Correct decision? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hMg6KOSQHl
Controversy aside, Everton should prioritize keeping the game clean and not giving the referees a chance of influencing the game in any way, which is something the Toffees have struggled to do all season long.
3. Nathan Patterson needs to hold strong
Patterson has received more and more minutes this season at right back, mainly out of desperation.
He’s shown sparks of quality and a taste of what Everton could do with a top-tier and natural right back. If he continues to show positive steps forward against Leeds, the Toffees could look much more dynamic than they did when they first faced them in the first week of the season.
Anything Patterson can add offensively will help Thierno Barry settle into the match and hopefully bang in a goal or two.