Everton v Leeds United: Key stats and talking points

Everton and Leeds United will both be out to put an end to their respective stuttering home and away records when they face each other at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night (20:00 GMT) in the Premier League.

The Blues have won just one of their last five top-flight fixtures at their new home, while Leeds have a solitary victory from their 11 Premier League games on the road since their promotion.

The fixture also contains a fascinating subplot, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to play against Everton for the first time since his summer exit. Following his switch to Elland Road, he has been one of the standout strikers in the league.

Everton will look to Garner after Grealish blow

Everton continued their excellent away form this season on Sunday as a depleted XI earned a 1-0 win at Aston Villa.

Less than 48 hours later, Everton's enthusiasm was sapped. The club confirmed Jack Grealish has suffered a foot injury, and reports suggest he is set to miss around three months of the campaign.

Given Grealish's creative talents – he ranks fifth in the Premier League for chances created this season – there will be a void for manager David Moyes to fill. Some of the burden could be taken on by Iliman Ndiaye, who is back from the Africa Cup of Nations along with Idrissa Gueye, as well as the potential return of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

But as those players get up to speed, it is likely the absence of Grealish will place more emphasis on James Garner. The former Manchester United man was excellent against Aston Villa and has been Everton's star performer this season.

In addition to the glimpses of attacking class he has showcased lately, Garner has made a massive defensive contribution with the tireless Gueye unavailable. His all-round improvement this year has been substantial and he has been rewarded with a new contract.

Calvert-Lewin can offer a painful reminder

With some players and some clubs, things get to a point where a parting of the ways just makes sense. For Everton and Calvert-Lewin last summer, it felt as though that threshold had been reached.

After nine years on Merseyside, the striker walked out on a free transfer. Leeds took a chance given his fitness and form in recent years, and they have been handsomely rewarded.

The change of scenery has revitalised the striker. Already this season, he has nine goals in 20 Premier League matches, which is his best tally since the 16 he scored under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton in 2020–21; Everton forwards Thierno Barry and Beto have only six between them.

It will be intriguing to see who Moyes picks at the back to combat the threat of the club's former number nine, with Michael Keane available after suspension and Jarrad Branthwaite edging closer to full fitness.

Despite their problems at home, Everton have kept more clean sheets than any other Premier League side since the start of November.

Calvert-Lewin, given his newfound confidence, is unlikely to be daunted.