Leicester City entertain Ronald Koeman’s Everton in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
The Premier League festive schedule swings into gear on Boxing Day, as Leicester City host Everton at the King Power Stadium.
Claudio Ranieri’s men continue to scramble for form, with The Foxes having won just twice in the last 12 outings in all competitions since October.
Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy is shown a red card by referee Craig Pawson
Their last win came over Manchester City a fortnight ago, with Jamie Vardy scoring his first hat-trick for the club. However impressive, Leicester have now won just three times at home this season.
The hosts will also now have to contend with the absence of Vardy during the festive period following his sending off versus Stoke City last weekend. With the January transfer window opening in a matter of days, Leonardo Ulloa is set to take his bow.
Everton fell victim to Sadio Mane’s stoppage time winner in the Merseyside derby last Monday, but having toppled Arsenal days before, The Toffees will be confident of their chances on Monday.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their first goal
Ronald Koeman is yet to get his side ticking again after another sticky patch, winning just twice in eight league games.
Of greater concern will be the lingering statistic that Everton have had just three different goal-scorers since November, with Romelu Lukaku being starved of service up front.
Leicester are unbeaten in their last six meeting with the Merseysiders, with the league holders doing the double last term. Everton have not beaten their Boxing Day opponents since 2003.
Jamie Vardy gestures towards Everton’s Joel Robles after scoring the third goal for Leicester from the penalty spot
The last time they met, Ranieri’s men celebrated winning the league crown, with a 3-1 win and gold-emblazoned King Power, where another brace from Vardy and rare goal from Andy King, put the icing on the trophy cake.
With Vardy beginning his three-match ban, Ulloa could lead the line with Islam Slimani.
Ranieri is also without Christian Fuchs and Robert Huth having received their fifth cautions of the season, before the counters are reset in the New Year.
The only injury doubt for the clash is midfielder Danny Drinkwater, who will have a late fitness test on a knee complaint.
Here is how Leicester City may line up:
Everton are sweating on the fitness of Marten Stekelenburg, with the Dutchman having sustained a dead leg versus The Reds on Monday.
Koeman is without James McCarthy with a hamstring injury, whilst Muhamed Besic is out until February.
Yannick Bolasie and Matthew Pennington are long-term absentees.
Here is how Everton may line up:
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