3 Everton stars Leicester City must stop in crucial fixture

Leicester City host fellow relegation candidates Everton in what could be a crucial match for the Foxes. Here are the players we must halt to win this tie.

The King Power club need the three points as fellow rivals lost in their respective fixtures. Getting a couple points ahead could be all the difference come the final match against West Ham United. For now though, the focus must be on Everton.

They have two draws and three losses in their last five, whereas the Foxes have one win, one draw, and three losses in our last five. So, the form is not drastically in out favour or in their favour. That being said, according to Understat, Leicester are significantly ahead of the Toffees in terms of xG and xGA (expected goals for and against).

Leicester City must stop these talents

It is clear that Sean Dyche’s men could be dangerous should Dean Smith’s side fail to contain at least three players. Their highest goal scorer is Dwight McNeil, followed very closely by Demarai Gray. We can expect McNeil to start.

The English left winger is a brilliant forward and can be devastating on the counter: pacy, explosive, and creative. This player is stylistically similar to Harvey Barnes, although probably better defensively than our English LW. As he is their top scorer and sits quite high on their xG90+xA90 listings when adjusted for gametime.

Interestingly, Alex Iwobi is of particular note. Dyche seems to have taken a liking to the right-sided midfielder, who plays a forward-role which focuses on chance creation instead of goal scoring. The RW has assisted the most times for the Toffees, with six assists; the closest behind is McNeil on just two.

Once again, it is clear to see why. The player has a strong cross, is physically impressive, and can retain the ball under intense pressure; although less pacy, he can also provide a burst of speed when necessary. Everton are most dangerous if their wingers get consistently involved in the final third.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Although the English striker has been out of form this season, the player continues to rank highly among the Everton players on xG. He also offers a physically dominating attacking outlet, which can also be used to direct long balls and control possession higher up the pitch. He is a useful player similar to Kelechi Iheanacho.

He must be marked and presses well by equally strong Caglar Soyuncu if we are to prevent any disorganised counter attacks penetrating the Foxes’ backline with their explosive and creative wingers always lurking in support.