Daniel Farke has learned from his toils with Norwich at this level and adopted a more pragmatic approach for Leeds' top-flight return

Daniel Farke's side penned Everton back from the off, with Jordan Pickford making an early save from Joel Piroe at his near post, while Pascal Struijk completely missed a header from a good position

Leeds were promoted as Championship winners last season, while Everton finished 13th in the Premier League. Each club added eight new faces to their respective roster since last season as Leeds looks to maintain status in England’s top flight and Everton looks to at a minimum to crack the Top 10.

Rotherham United have signed Everton forward Martin Sherif on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for the Toffees. Sherif scored 21 goals in 48 appearances in the U18 Premier League, and also has five goals in Premier League 2 for Everton U21s.

Lincoln City have signed striker Francis Okoronkwo on a season-long loan deal from Premier League club Everton. The 20-year-old is yet to make his first-team debut for the Toffees and spent last season on loan at Salford City, scoring four goals in 24 appearances in all competitions.

One team has installed three rows of new seats, another has a new corner-taker and one side began the 2025-26 campaign by deliberately smashing the ball out of play.