Venue: King Power Stadium
Date: 06/06/2016
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Match
Everton prepare to square off against Premier League champions Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday and while the result of game might not mean too much, the Toffees will be keen on a victory from the clash.
A bit of pressure was lifted off of manager Roberto Martinez’s shoulders following Everton’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth last weekend but the Spaniard still looks like a dead man walking at the moment as he has clearly lost the faith of the fans.
In order to continue staving off the negativity, Martinez will need to guide Everton a strong end to the season and while the clash against champions Leicester this weekend does not mean too much in the grand scheme of things of the Premier League, one can be sure that the Toffees’ boss will be demanding a good result from his side on the day.
Everton Team News
Everton have a host of injury problems to contend with ahead of the clash as the likes of Gerard Deulofeu, Phil Jagielka, Gareth Barry, Seamus Coleman and Brendan Galloway are all out injured while Ramiro Funes Mori will be unavailable due to suspension.
Due to the numerous fitness related problems, Martinez will need to utilize his entire squad and one can expect a makeshift lineup for Everton this Saturday.
Howard set to retain his place in the starting lineup
Tim Howard looks set to continue in goal while it is likely that young Matthew Pennington and veteran Tony Hibbert will be drafted into the defence alongside regulars John Stones and Leighton Baines. Bryan Oviedo also remains an option to choose from.
In midfield, Darron Gibson should continue alongside James McCarthy due to absence of Gareth Barry while the wide positions are set to be occupied by Aaron Lennon and Tom Cleverley.
Ross Barkley also looks like a certain starter in the attacking midfield position but with Omar Niasse failing to impress during his first start for Everton, Romelu Lukaku is expected to be leading the line against Leicester.
Probable Lineups
Leicester City (Probable XI): Schmeichel; Fuchs, Wasilewski, Morgan, Simpson; Albrighton, Kante, King, Mahrez; Okazaki, Vardy
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Pennington, Stones, Hibbert; McCarthy, Gibson, Lennon, Barkley, Cleverley; Lukaku
Last Meeting
19/12/2015 Everton 2 – 3 Leicester City
22/02/2015 Everton 2 – 2 Leicester City
Prediction
Everton have not beaten Leicester City during their last five encounters and they certainly head into the clash on Saturday as slight underdogs.
Admittedly, Leicester could put their foot off the pedal after having already sealed the title but that being said, they will want to begin the party at the King Power Stadium by treating the fans to a victory to cap off a wonderful season.
Everton will surely be looking to play party poopers on the day and while a win would be a huge positive for Martinez, both sides will probably settle for a draw.
Leicester City 1 – 1 Everton
