Everton welcome Leicester City to Goodison Park on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in what has been a pretty important Premier League fixture that will make or break the season of either of these two teams. With both teams fighting for survival, this one is going to be a thrilling match.
Match Preview
Everton have shown a glimpse of resurgence under David Moyes, having secured consecutive wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion. These have lifted their spirits as they fight to keep out of the relegation zone. A win against Leicester would give them more reason to consolidate on a mid-table finish.
On the other hand, Ruud van Nistelrooy's Leicester City managed to snap their seven-game losing streak in style with a 2-1 win over Tottenham last week. With confidence restored, the Foxes will be keen to continue their revival with another strong performance against Everton.
Head-to-Head Stats
Recent Meetings:
Everton 2-2 Leicester City (April 2023)
Leicester City 2-0 Everton (November 2022)
Everton 1-1 Leicester City (April 2022)
Overall Record (Last 5 Meetings):
Everton Wins: 1
Leicester City Wins: 2
Draws: 2
Team News & Injury Updates
Everton Team News
Everton has a lengthy injury list. Seamus Coleman is doubtful with a calf injury, James Garner with illness, Idrissa Gueye for personal reasons, Nathan Patterson with a thigh injury, Chermiti with an ankle, Jarrad Branthwaite with a groin, and Armando Broja with a calf. However, there is good news for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Vitaliy Mykolenko, Michael Keane, and James Tarkowski as they will all return to the squad.
Leicester City Team News
Injury woes are still afflicting Leicester City's squad. Ricardo Pereira and Abdul Fatawu will not be returning, while hopes are there for Mads Hermansen after returning to full training. Wilfred Ndidi started light training, but his feature in the lineup is out of the question.
Predicted Lineups
Everton (4-4-1-1)
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko
Midfielders: Jack Harrison, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tim Iroegbunam, Dwight McNeil
Forward: Iliman Ndiaye
Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Leicester City (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Mads HermansenDefenders: James Justin, Wout Faes, Jannik Vestergaard, Victor KristiansenMidfielders: Harry Winks, Boubakary SoumareAttacking Midfielders: Andre Ayew, Bilal El Khannouss, Bobby Decordova-ReidStriker: Jamie Vardy
Key Players to Watch
Everton: Dominic Calvert-Lewin – The return of the striker is a huge boost for the Toffees, and much of their plans to break Leicester's rear guard will depend on his goal-scoring ability.
Leicester City: Jamie Vardy – The veteran forward proved his worth in the win over Tottenham and remains the Foxes' biggest attacking threat.
Match Prediction
This will be a high-stakes battle, with both teams desperate for points. Everton has been solid at home and has momentum on their side. Leicester's recent win over Tottenham was impressive, but their defensive frailties could be exposed by Everton's attack.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Leicester City
Conclusion
Both teams would want to stay clear of the relegation fight, and that alone makes this Goodison Park clash potentially season-defining. It's expected to be a fight between two determined sides, though Everton should stand a better chance thanks to home advantage and an improving trend.
I'd like to hear from you-who do you think will win? Comments below!