Premier League: back goals when Lampard's Everton host Leeds

Everton host Leeds on Saturday in a Premier League encounter that will have significant ramifications in the relegation battle.

The Toffees lie just a couple of points outside of the bottom three, and though they have matches in hand, they are in a deeply uncomfortable position. Leeds are only one place better off but have four more points, and victory at Goodison Park would provide them with a healthy cushion.

Everton start at 2.26 favourites to win this match, with Leeds priced at 3.2. A draw is on offer at 3.8.

Lamps faces a tough test

The Frank Lampard feel-good factor did not last too long at Everton. Having been appointed on January 31, he won his first match in charge against Brentford in the FA Cup but then saw his side outplayed against Newcastle away in midweek. The 3-1 loss reflected the match. 

Indeed, Everton are a team completely out of form. Since a 2-0 win at home over Norwich in September, they have won only one of 15 Premier League fixtures. With nine total points over the intervening period, this is comfortably the poorest record in the division. 

Adding to their woes is a total of 12 home Premier League losses since the beginning of 2021, which is an unwelcome league-high figure.

Spirited and entertaining

Leeds travel to Liverpool off the back of a thrilling 3-3 draw against Aston Villa on Wednesday. They showed excellent spirit to fight back from 3-1 down to claim a point. 

Marcelo Bielsa’s side, meanwhile, have lost only one of their last four fixtures, earning seven points in total during that time.

Leeds have been highly entertaining in recent weeks. Their last eight Premier League matches have produced 37 goals at an average of more than four per game.

Nevertheless, they would surely settle for a repeat of last season’s 1-0 win over the Toffees at Goodison Park.

Goals on the cards

Backing Everton to win seems to put a great deal of faith in Lampard’s ability to make an instant impact. Results, instead, point to a match that could go either way. The odds of 1.71 on the double chance of a draw or away win make for the logical bet.

Meanwhile, goals seem likely. Leeds’ high-scoring recent history has already been demonstrated, while six of Everton’s last eight Premier League fixtures have produced at least three goals. Additionally, it was 2-2 the last time these sides met. A price of 1.71 is generous.

Recommended bets

Double chance: Draw or Leeds @ 1.71

Goals Over/Under: Over 2.5 @ 1.71