Paul Merson and Chris Sutton disagree on Everton v Leeds United prediction

Leeds United are preparing for their first ever visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium as they look to secure a third successive win in all competitions against Everton.

The Whites have enjoyed a strong run of form over the last two months and moved on quickly from their agonising loss at Newcastle United by securing a place in the FA Cup fourth round with a 3-1 win at Derby County. Their return to the Premier League also brought positivity as a last-gasp Lukas Nmecha goal helped see off Fulham at Elland Road last weekend and that ensured Daniel Farke’s men remained eight points clear of the relegation zone.

However, they will face a sizeable test against an Everton side looking to push towards the European places by building on a highly impressive win at high-flying Aston Villa last weekend. David Moyes appears to have pieced together a strong and hardworking Toffees side during the first full season of his second managerial stint with the Merseyside outfit and Leeds will know they have to be at their best to claim another three points.

But how could the game pan out? Former Premier League winners Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have had their say - and they appear to have disagreed.

What has Paul Merson said about Everton v Leeds United?

The former Arsenal and England star told SportsKeeda: “This will be a good game. Everton were outstanding against Aston Villa. But they will miss Jack Grealish in this game. I don't think people understand how good Grealish is in that position. Matty Cash is someone who likes to go forward and he couldn't do it because of Grealish in the last game!

“Leeds showed a bit of inexperience when they went gung-ho and lost 4-3 to Newcastle but they would have learned from that experience. They are a team that are on the rise and I fancy them here. Everton have now gone four games without a win on home turf. Not long ago, they were slaughtered by Brentford. I think Leeds win this. Prediction: Everton 1-2 Leeds United”

What has Chris Sutton said about Everton v Leeds United?

The former Premier League winner told BBC Sport: “I'm definitely adding Everton to my list of teams who are impossible to predict. They've had some brilliant results this season, and some really disappointing ones too. They will be without the injured Jack Grealish here but they were depleted against Villa last time out and they were brilliant in that game.

“Thierno Barry took his goal ever so well for their winner. I know it was close in but it was still a lovely finish. When you watch Barry closely, he is frustrating sometimes but he is a real nuisance and he is so good in the air. I was impressed by Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl as well, and having Iliman Ndiaye back after winning the Afcon with Senegal will lift Everton too. Leeds beat Everton 1-0 at Elland Road with a late penalty at the start of the season, and this game will be just as tight. I was going to go for an Everton win by the same scoreline but then I thought about Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming back to his old club. He is bound to score, isn't he? Sutton's prediction: 1-1”

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