Everton are forced into one change from their previous league game as McCarthy drops out following a horrific injury, with Gueye his most likely replacement. Coleman returns after a long spell out but is only fit enough for the bench, while Allardyce will consider further changes in attack, Bolasie and Rooney pressing for recalls which would leave them stronger, Vlasic and Tosun likely making way. They’re in poor form and are lacking belief at the minute, but they know this is a game they can’t really afford to lose, so motivation shouldn’t be too much in question. Their form speaks for the 0 handicap, but beating a Leicester side in form won’t be an easy task, even at home. They’ll be sensible in their approach, only opening up if needed from behind, being happy to sit on any lead they get. Getting the balance right at either end of the pitch has been something of a problem in the past few games, so the initial aim will be to keep things tighter defensively before growing as an attacking force. The 2.25 goals line is fair but could be challenged with an early goal, especially if Everton trail, as they’d have to open up and take risks, with this not a game they can afford to lose.
Leicester are very close to full strength as aside from Morgan, everyone else is available for selection, though Mahrez is a doubt after handing in a transfer request. If he sits out, Gray would fill in as a weaker alternative out wide, while Dragovic continues at centre back for Morgan. However, aside from Simpson replacing Amartey at fullback, an unchanged 11 from the last league game is likely. They head to Everton with a lot of confidence and will really feel this is an opportunity to cement their place in the table by picking up three points. A 0 handicap is fair, but a line they’ll believe they can beat in current form, being happy to set up and play on the break. They’ll be willing to take some measured risks if behind or level late, but they’ll not be too reckless as a draw is ok. A 2.25 goals line looks about right considering Everton will want to be tough to break down initially, but Leicester’s approach could see the game becoming a little more stretched and open, especially if they score first. They’d be happy to drop deep and use their speed on the counter, where they have the ability to kill off the match, though if they get to 2-0, they may drop in and consolidate.
Verdict & Prediction
Leicester continued their good recent run with a comprehensive win in the FA Cup over Peterborough and will head to Everton full of confidence as a result. They know all the pressure is on their hosts, but they’ll be keen to pick up three more points to consolidate the seventh spot in the table. A draw wouldn’t be a disaster, but given their current momentum they’ll fully believe they can turn up and claim all three points. The atmosphere around the club is buoyant, while there’s very good competition among the playing squad to ensure complacency doesn’t become an issue.
Prediction: Leicester +0.00 Asian Handicap
Odds: 2.12 SBOBET
Asian Handicap(+0.00): Same as Draw no bet option, you stake is returned if the match ends with a draw.
