Everton was set to host defending champions Leeds in what was a match that could potentially be the end of Howard Kendall’s time at Everton. Multiple times that season the Toffees boss had been on the brink but had survived the sack. But Everton going out from both the domestic competitions had nothing to look forward to but a relegation battle in the last few months of the season.
Leeds had their own share of problems and their away form had been terrible that season. They had failed to win any of the 11 matches they had played away from home scoring just nine goals and conceding 25. Leeds were 14th in the table whereas Everton was 17th going into the clash.