Leicester City Vs Everton: Opponent watch

12 points from seven games. The last time Leicester City had the same tally at this stage, they went on to win the Premier League title.

And they’ll have a great chance to add three more to their propitious total when Everton come to the King Power Stadium – albeit with hopes of their own.

Marco Silva’s Toffeemen have accumulated only nine points, and with a comparatively tougher run to come in the next couple of months, they’d have to do more than just playing well against Leicester. They have to make sure that they are rewarded for their display, too.

Now, on a scale of 1-10, how possible is that? We talked to Liverpool Echo’s Adam Jones to find that – and more – out.

The “Marco Silva Era” hasn’t got off to the best of starts. A team carrying the taint of Sam Allardyce would need time to transform anyway, but do you think that Everton should have done slightly better?

"“This is honestly a matter of perception.As you’ve mentioned there, Sam Allardyce had a big effect on the club, but it wasn’t just him – it was the regime that came before him as well.“Throughout last term Everton struggled with a flawed transfer strategy passed down from then manager Ronald Koeman and director of football Steve Walsh.“After they lost their jobs, a long process of rebuilding had to begin.“Marco Silva and Marcel Brands are the men tasked with that, and it’s certainly a massive project.“So, in that respect, it’s not all too surprise to see a few stumbles from Everton at the start of this term, especially when you consider the injuries and suspensions the club have had to deal with already.”"

To what extent does it disenchant the fans that Everton’s only wins have come against Fulham, Southampton and Rotherham United? Or put another way, how frustrating it is that they have dropped points against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Huddersfield Town, AFC Bournemouth, West Ham United, and even exited the League Cup with a defeat to the lowly Saints? Surely, these are the kind of teams that you’d expect the Toffees to beat with the squad they have?

"“While the point of this being a long project is still apparent, the frustration of these results is still apparent.“Despite being down to ten men against both Wolves and Bournemouth, Everton took the lead (by two goals in the case of the latter) and still threw it away.“A home draw against Huddersfield was poor, and the loss against West Ham was nothing short of dismal.“What is frustrating is that Blues fans have seen their side play some brilliant attacking football in spells this campaign, but usually it’s silly errors letting the side down.“The League Cup defeat is a separate frustration in itself. Regardless of the opposition, that was one of two real chances for Everton to win a trophy this season, so why make seven changes to your side?“It certainly could have been a better start to the season, but for the most part I have to say Everton fans understand the current situation, and are frustrated more than disenchanted.”"

Three of Everton’s next seven league fixtures are against Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. Does that make it absolutely imperative that Silva’s side get the better of Leicester City tomorrow? In case they don’t, are we looking at any repercussions – particularly off the field?

"“I don’t think there’s any chance of repercussions, it’s far too soon in this project to even start thinking about that.“But, as you say, the importance of this match against Leicester City can’t be ignored.“If we presume the “top 6” will be staying the same, Everton and the Foxes will be battling it out for that seventh place in the league.“A win at the King Power could be absolutely crucial for the Blues.”"

There’s a smorgasbord of talented players in this team, but who should we be most looking forward to light up the King Power Stadium? 

"“I’m sure you’re not surprised that I’m going to say Richarlison.“There were a few murmurs around the league at the amount of money Everton paid for the winger, but he’s already living up to that lofty price.“The Brazilian international offers the skill, pace, physicality and work rate the Blues just didn’t have in that area before, and he’s instantly become a vital member of the squad.“Apart from that Theo Walcott, who scored two the last time these sides met, is in great form on the opposite flank.“He’s more of a natural finisher than Richarlison and we all know about his pace.With Gylfi Sigurdsson providing service to both those two, Everton can cause anyone massive problems in attack.”"

It goes without saying that Silva’s Everton have a myriad of weaknesses, too – as the results very well reflect. Can you expatiate on all of them?

"“As I’ve already mentioned, individual lapses in concentration seem to be the biggest issue so far this term. Apart from that though, set pieces are a problem.“Everton are bringing in a new zonal marking system this term…and it’s fair to say it’s still risky.“There hasn’t been and goal conceded by that route in the last three matches to be fair, but the defence don’t exactly look comfortable.“Harry Maguire will be licking is lips.”"

Prediction? 

"“I can’t go against the Blues. 3-1 to Everton I’ll say.”"