Everton will travel to the King Power Stadium, the home of the newly crowned Premier League Champions Leicester City on Saturday. With Leicester being awarded the title after the game, it will surely be a party atmosphere inside the stadium as the fans celebrate an incredible achievement. Everton are coming off a 2-1 win over Bournemouth, their first league victory in nearly two months, and despite the win, the pressure on Roberto Martinez still remains, as the club’s disappointing league season draws to an end. Leicester are coming off a 1-1 draw, but after the Spurs/Chelsea game, which made it official, they will of been partying since then. With Leicester already in party mode, and Everton having very little to play for, it will definitely be a party atmosphere.
Leicester City Team News:
Danny Drinkwater and Robert Huth are suspended following the 1-1 draw with Manchester United. The foxes do welcome back top scorer Jamie Vardy after serving his 2 game suspension. Leicester could also welcome back Matty James, after he has missed the best part of a year with a knee injury.
Possible Starting XI: Schmeichel, Fuchs, Simpson, Morgan, Wasilewski, Kante, King, Albrighton, Mahrez, Okazaki, Vardy
Player to watch: Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy
These two have been the stars of Leicester’s magical run. Jamie Vardy with his goals, and Mahrez with his assists and goals have spearheaded this Leicester team, and they will be the danger men for the match. Both have incredible pace, which is utilized on the break very effectively. Mahrez has incredible technique on the ball, his quick turn of pace, coupled with his ability to change directions so quickly gives headaches to opponents. Jamie Vardy has shown his impeccable eye for goal, and with his pace on the break, is more than a handful for defenders
Everton Team News:
As Everton showed last weekend, they will give opportunities to some youngsters given they have very little to play. Pennington and Dowell could be in line for more appearances. Everton will still be without the suspended Ramiro Funes Mori. Jagielka is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Coleman and Barry are both out with groin problems. Deulofeu will miss the last three games with a knee injury
Possible Starting XI: Robles, Baines, Oviedo, Pennington, Stones, McCarthy, Cleverley, Barkley, Lennon, Mirallas, Lukaku
Player to watch: Ross Barkley
The Everton youngster has enjoyed a better season compared to last season. Barkley started off the season exceptionally but has faded lately, but it you can still see why he is regarded as one of England’s brightest youngsters. Barkley’s physicality, combined with his technical ability, makes him so tough to knock him off the ball, and his ability to go on right or left foot makes him an even more trickier player.
Match Facts & Stats
1. This will be the 100th league meeting between the two sides, Everton have won 36 games compared to Leicesters 31, with 32 draws
2. 13 of the 19 league meetings in the Premier League have ended in draws, with all 5 at Leicester ending in draws. Although, given the 4-2 win at Goodison earlier this season, the Foxes are looking for their first double over the Toffees since Everton’s last league title in 1985
3. Leicester City are the first maiden winning champions since Nottingham Forrest won their first league title in 1978.
4. Leicester’s 42.34% average possession per game is the 3rd lowest tally in the league, and they have the league’s worst passing completion percentage with 70%
5. Leicester are the league’s best home side having amassed 39pts, which was only 2pts off their total point tally from last season, and have gone 14 games unbeaten at the King Power Stadium since their loss to Arsenal in September.
Match Prediction:
Does it really matter? Leicester fans and players a like will be probably still partying since becoming Champions on Monday night, and for Everton, judging by their performances lately, they have been on holidays for the last few weeks. It will be a joyous occasion no doubt, with an electric atmosphere, and I just think Leicester will get a 1-0 win. COYB!