Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has tipped Everton for “another long afternoon” when we face Leicester City on Sunday, in what could be the start of a defining week in Marco Silva’s managerial career.
Silva is expected to take charge of our Premier League encounter with the Foxes this weekend, after speculation arose following last Saturday’s home defeat to Norwich City that the Portuguese’s time at Goodison Park is nearing its end.
Board members including Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, Chairman Bill Kenwright, Chief Executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale and Director of Football Marcel Brands were understood to have met Silva following the Canaries loss, where they discussed his future at the club.
Losing on home soil to Norwich made it two defeats at Goodison Park to promoted sides this season, while our league record now stands at two wins in our last nine matches. Leicester, meanwhile, are flying high in second-place having won nine of their 13 league games, and will head into the weekend on a five-game winning streak.
The Foxes also boast the second-best offence and the best defence having scored 31 goals and conceded just eight.
With a trip to Anfield to face league-leaders Liverpool on Wednesday night still to come after facing Leicester, as well, one-time UEFA Cup winner Owen feels our next two games could be defining to Silva’s managerial career.
What will the result be vs Leicester?
Foxes win
Draw
Blues win
“Leicester City will gain a sixth successive Premier League win – a club record – if they beat Everton at the King Power on Sunday, and it is hard to see past another three points for the Foxes, although I expect the Blues to improve on what was a dismal performance against Norwich at Goodison last weekend,” Owen noted in his weekly predictions for BetVictor.
“I remember Everton parting company with Roberto Martinez back in May 2016 after they lost 3-1 at Leicester at the weekend and then 3-0 in the league – at Sunderland – on the following Wednesday. Note the Blues travel to Anfield on Wednesday in the Premier League, and this is a big and possibly defining week in the managerial career of Marco Silva.
“Brendan Rodgers’ side are playing with such pace and passion at present that I don’t think Everton will be able to cope with their energy and flair. It could be another long afternoon for the Blues.”