Paul Merson predicts how Everton will fare without Jack Grealish against Leeds United 

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Everton play host to Leeds United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday evening.

David Moyes’ side upset the odds and beat Aston Villa 1-0 last time out, so they head into this game full of confidence.

Thierno Barry was the matchwinner with a superb left-footed chip, so he’ll be keen to score his fourth goal in his last five games against Leeds.

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Opta’s supercomputer expects Everton to beat Leeds, and now Paul Merson has given his prediction for the clash.

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Paul Merson thinks Everton will struggle vs Leeds United

Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson explained that Everton will really miss the injured Jack Grealish, who is set to miss three months of action.

“This will be a good game,” Merson said. “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.”

Merson predicted: Everton 1-2 Leeds United

Predicting Everton’s next three fixtures

Everton have a pretty decent run of fixtures as they take on Leeds, Brighton and Hove Albion and Fulham in the next three.

For a side aiming for Europe, the Toffees should be targeting at least two wins, which would likely move them within the top seven or eight of the Premier League table.

Moyes’ side will beat Leeds on Monday, draw away at Brighton on the south coast before another big away win at Craven Cottage in February.

By that point, Everton should have Jarrad Branthwaite and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall back from injury, as they’re both expected to return imminently.