Everton vs Leicester Preview

• Draw or Everton win
• Over 2.5 goals

Everton host Leicester City at Goodison Park in a crucial Premier League fixture that could have significant implications for the relegation battle.

With David Moyes revitalising Everton and Leicester desperate to avoid falling back into the bottom three, this promises to be a tense and hard-fought contest.

Everton: A Resurgence Under Moyes

David Moyes’ return to Everton has breathed new life into the Toffees. After a narrow 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in his first game back, Everton responded with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur before grinding out a 1-0 win at Brighton last weekend.

These back-to-back wins—their first successive league victories this season—have helped them climb seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Now, Everton have the opportunity to make it three consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since April last year.

With just one defeat in their last eight league meetings against Leicester (W3, D4), the Toffees should be confident heading into this clash, especially with Goodison Park providing a crucial home advantage.

Iliman Ndiaye has been a key figure for Everton, scoring all five of his Premier League goals in the first half of matches, including his first goal for the club against Leicester back in September.

If Everton can start strongly again, they’ll have a great chance of securing another vital three points.

Leicester City: Desperate to Avoid a Setback

Leicester’s 2-1 win over Tottenham last weekend ended a dreadful run of seven straight league defeats, lifting them out of the bottom three by a single point. However, their survival hopes remain fragile, and a loss here could see them dragged back into trouble.

The Foxes’ biggest concern this season has been their away form. Their victory at Spurs was their first Premier League away win since November, with only Southampton collecting fewer points on the road this season. Leicester have struggled defensively on their travels, and unless they can shore up at the back, they could be in for a tough afternoon against an in-form Everton side.

Jamie Vardy remains Leicester’s biggest threat. The veteran striker is bidding to become only the fourth player in Premier League history to score in consecutive appearances while aged 38 or older. If Leicester are to come away with a result, they will likely need another big moment from their talisman.

Key Battles

Iliman Ndiaye vs Leicester’s Defence

Ndiaye has a knack for early goals, and his movement in and around the box will test Leicester’s shaky backline. If Everton can create chances for him in the opening stages, he could have a major impact.

Jamie Vardy vs Everton’s Defence

Vardy remains Leicester’s most potent attacking threat, but he will face a tough battle against the experienced James Tarkowski. If Everton’s defence can keep Vardy quiet, Leicester’s attacking options become significantly limited.

Tactical Insights

Everton’s Approach

Moyes will likely set Everton up in a structured and disciplined shape, focusing on defensive solidity while looking to exploit Leicester’s weaknesses through counter-attacks and set-pieces. With Ndiaye in their starting line-up and Dominic Calvert-Lewin out with injury once again, Everton will aim to be clinical in front of goal.

Leicester’s Strategy

The Foxes will need to be more composed in possession and avoid defensive lapses that have plagued their season. They may look to utilise Vardy’s pace on the counter, while El Khannouss’s creativity will be crucial in unlocking Everton’s defence.

Head-to-Head Record

• Recent Meetings: Everton have lost just one of their last eight Premier League encounters with Leicester (W3, D4).
• At Goodison Park: The Toffees have historically had the upper hand at home, making this a difficult fixture for Leicester.

Predictions and Final Thoughts

Everton’s recent resurgence and home advantage make them favourites to continue their momentum. Leicester’s away struggles and inconsistency could cost them, though their threat on the counter means they remain dangerous.

Predicted Scoreline: Everton 2-1 Leicester City

Expect Everton to make a strong start and Ndiaye to play a key role, while Vardy may provide a late scare. However, the Toffees’ defensive resilience should see them over the line.

Conclusion

Everton have a chance to pull further clear of the relegation zone, while Leicester must improve their away form to stay out of trouble. With so much at stake, this promises to be a high-intensity encounter, where Everton’s recent form could give them the edge.

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Everton v Leicester, 2024/25 | Premier League