Leicester City will have to tackle an Everton team who will be hurting after a late goal from Sadio Mane resulted in a narrow 1-0 win for Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby last week. After an encouraging result against Arsenal, the Toffees were hopeful of getting a positive result last Monday and the loss came as a blow just as they were starting to gain some momentum again. Ronald Koeman has looked assured of his charges and with a couple of additions in the transfer window, Everton can put up an even more impressive display in the 2nd half of the season.
Leicester City have had a horrendous domestic campaign till now. They have failed miserably to show the kind of form which saw them crowned shock Champions last season. Aside from the 1st half display against Manchester City, the Foxes have looked flat throughout. Their midfield has lacked presence and the departure of N’Golo Kante has been a major factor in their non-existent title defence.
With the match expected to be an entertaining one, let us take a look at the 3 key battles which are expected to have an impact on the outcome of the match.
ROMELU LUKAKU VS WES MORGAN
Lukaku has been having a torrid time in front of goal lately and will be looking to get his scoring boots on when they travel to the King Power Stadium on Boxing Day. His profligacy in front of goal will cost Everton sooner rather than later and he needs to sort his form out.
But Morgan hasn’t been in the best of forms lately. The partnership which was so successful last season has fallen flat with Morgan and Huth not looking the same this time around. It will be an interesting battle between the two big lads.
LEIGHTON BAINES VS RIYAD MAHREZ
Mahrez has been far from his usual self this season. The free-flowing dribbling and neat touches seem to have deserted him. But he retains the ability to destroy an opposition defence when he is on song. And Everton will hope he doesn’t get back to his lethal form against them.
Baines has found back some of his rhythm and form which had made him the best left-back in the country a couple of seasons back.
ISLAM SLIMANI VS ASHLEY WILLIAMS
With Vardy suspended, the onus will be on Slimani to deliver the goods and if he can step up in the Englishman’s absence, he can well force Ranieri into a rethink when Vardy returns. Williams has settled in well and will look to be solid and leave a stamp on the game against the direct approach of the Foxes.
