Verdict: Iliman Ndiaye over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a real showdown at the foot of the Premier League table, Everton will welcome Leicester to Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.
Everton
Starting with the hosts, while David Moyes might have only made his Goodison Park return earlier in the month, Everton are certainly enjoying life under the guidance of the ex-West Ham boss. Despite officially getting Moyes’ second reign underway with a 1-0 loss against Aston Villa on January 15th, the Toffees have now collected back-to-back Premier League victories. With the mood around the blue half of Merseyside at a season-high, Everton open Saturday’s showdown holding a seven-point buffer from dropping into the relegation zone. Last seen putting in another gritty performance as they clinched a 1-0 win away at Brighton, Moyes’ camp have certainly turned a recent corner. Looking to secure three consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since April 2024, the Blues will be relishing a return to Goodison Park here.
Everton Team News
Suffering an early first-half hamstring injury away at Brighton last weekend, Everton will be unable to call upon England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin here. Likewise, not featuring since the start of December, Moyes’ camp still remain without the services of Dwight McNeil on Saturday afternoon.
Clearly enjoying life since Moyes’ arrival earlier in the month, former Lyon defender Jake O’Brien will once again start at right-back. Notching three goals in his previous four appearances across all competitions, Senegal international Ilimann Ndiaye will play a leading role at Goodison.
Leicester
As for the visitors, mounting what was a sensational second-half comeback away at Tottenham last weekend, Leicester will be desperate to use that performance as a platform to build on. Eventually snatching a 2-1 victory in north London, that result has certainly eased some of the mounting pressure on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s shoulders. Drawing a line under their seven-match Premier League losing rut, the Foxes know that stability is key over the remainder of the season. However, getting Saturday’s trip to Merseyside underway holding just a one-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, Leicester have gained a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles. Getting the New Year underway with a 2-1 defeat against local rivals Aston Villa, the former interim Manchester United boss has seen his squad ship 49 Premier League goals so far this season.
Leicester Team News
Not featuring since the start of December and still dealing with a thigh issue, Leicester will once again be without Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi here. Likewise, the Foxes will once again be unable to call upon number one goalkeeper Mads Hermamsem on Saturday afternoon.
Once again finding the net away at Tottenham last weekend and recording a seventh Premier League strike of the season, veteran striker Jamie Vardy will lead the line here. Returning from a minor knock last month, Belgium international Wout Fans will start at the back.
Everton vs Leicester Key Factors to Consider
- When Everton and Leicester met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 21st, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at the King Power.
- Everton have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous eight Premier League meetings against the Foxes.
- Saturday’s hosts have collected back-to-back Premier League victories.
- Likewise, Everton have won three of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
- Leicester have shipped 49 goals in their 22 Premier League appearances so far this season.
Conclusion
In what looks set to be a real relegation six-pointer on Saturday afternoon, all eyes will fall on Goodison Park. While Leicester might have mounted a sensational comeback away at Spurs last weekend, the Foxes will meet an Everton squad that have certainly turned a real corner since Moyes’ return. Landing back-to-back Premier League victories and now holding a seven-point buffer over the slipping back into the drop zone, they will be excited by a rugged record against Saturday’s guests. Losing just one of their last eight Premier League meetings against Leicester, the Toffees should be smelling a real opportunity here.
Verdict: Iliman Ndiaye over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!