Leeds vs Everton

For just a third time in Premier League history, as many as two newly promoted sides (Leeds and Sunderland in 2025-26) have won on MD1, also happening in 1997-98 (Bolton & Crystal Palace) and in 2021-22 (Brentford & Watford).

Before today, none of the previous 17 Championship champions had won on MD1 in the Premier League the following season (D5 L12), with Leeds becoming the first side to achieve this feat since Sunderland beat Spurs (1-0) on the opening matchday in 2007-08.

Lukas Nmecha became the first Leeds United substitute to score on his Premier League debut since Alan Smith in November 1998, while he’s the first player to score a penalty on his debut for the club in the competition.

Leeds United have only won one of their last 11 Premier League meetings with Everton (D4 L6), and are winless in each of the most recent five (D2 L3).

Everton are unbeaten in their last five Premier League away games against Leeds United (W2 D3), which is their joint-longest active run away to any of the other 19 current top-flight teams (also five v Brighton and Nottingham Forest).

This is the first time Leeds are starting a league campaign with a game on a Monday in their history. Meanwhile, it’s the first time Everton are starting with a Monday game since 2012-13, beating eventual champions Manchester United 1-0 under David Moyes.

Leeds United’s last eight opening league games have produced a total of 39 goals (almost 5 per game), with the Whites scoring 20 and conceding 19.

Everton have lost their opening league match in each of the last three seasons, having been unbeaten on MD1 in the 10 previous campaigns (W4 D6).