Venue: King Power Stadium
Date: 16/08/2014
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Match
Everton kick off the brand new Premier League campaign with a visit to new boys Leicester City on Saturday. It has been very fruitful summer for the Toffees so far and although their pre-season form has not been all that great – the Toffees certainly head into the season full of optimism.
Having added the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Muhamed Besic, Gareth Barry and Christian Atsu among others to the squad this summer, Everton are hoping to enjoy another fine campaign and will surely have their eyes set on a Champions League finish.
However, the Toffees cannot look too far ahead and it will be imperative for them to start on a good note against Leicester on Saturday. With tough matches against Arsenal and Chelsea to follow next, Martinez will be desperate for all three points on the day but will know that against the unknown quantity of promoted teams such as Leicester– it will be easier said than done.
Everton Team News
Everton have a couple of major injury doubts heading into the game. The duo of Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo are still ruled out due to their long term injury while the key trio of Romelu Lukaku, Kevin Mirallas and Seamus Coleman are all doubts due to lack of fitness. New boy Christian Atsu is also not expected to feature on Saturday.
Tim Howard is a certainty to start in goal and the defence ahead of him should consist of Leighton Baines, Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka while John Stones is expected to deputize for Coleman at right back.
The ever consistent midfield of Gareth Barry and James McCarthy will probably to start in central midfield while the attacking three should consist of Steven Pienaar, Ross Barkley and Aiden McGeady. Leon Osman also looks a good option for Martinez to choose from.
With Lukaku and Kone looking doubtful for the clash, it seems that Steven Naismith will be getting the nod to start up front and his work rate will be very important in order for the Toffees to breach the Leicester backline.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Stones; Pienaar, McCarthy, Barkley, Barry, McGeady; Naismith
Leicester City (Probable XI): Schmeichel; De Laet, Moore, Morgan, Konchesky; Albrighton, James, Drinkwater, Mahrez; Ulloa, Nugent
Prediction
While Everton certainly head into the game against Leicester City on Saturday as favourites; the Toffees certainly cannot afford to be complacent.
Leicester were fantastic in the Championship last season and as with all promoted teams – are still bit of an unknown quantity in the Premier League who could cause a lot of problems to the big boys.
As a result, a test against the Foxes will be a difficult one for Everton and Roberto Martinez’s men will certainly have to do well in order to claim a victory.
The game will be a close fought battle and considering the attacking talent at either side’s disposal, a couple of goals can certainly be expected.
It will surely not be easy but Everton should come out of the game with a hard fought and narrow victory due to their superior quality throughout the squad.
Leicester City 1 – 2 Everton
