As Everton prepare for their crucial game with Leicester City on Super Sunday, we provide you with all the latest information ahead of the clash at King Power Stadium.
Mission one accomplished by David Unsworth. As evidenced by the midweek League Cup game with Chelsea, Everton played with the urgency, effort and heart that seems to have been missing most of the season.
Now, Unsworth’s second mission — should he choose to accept it — is to start producing positive results and drag Everton out of the relegation zone. If he can do this, the caretaker manager will make an excellent case to take over permanently.
The mission starts with a trip to Leicester, to take on a team which has had its own issues this season. Entering Sunday’s games, the Foxes are in 15th place in the Premier League, just one point ahead of the Blues.
Given what’s at stake — even this early in the season — all signs point towards this game being an extremely scrappy affair, with two sides desperately fighting for precious points. If you’re searching for an aesthetically pleasing game, you’re probably looking in the wrong place.
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For what it’s worth, Everton won both games between the two sides last season. Mind you, the Blues also beat Arsenal last season at Goodison Park and we all know what happened last weekend!
From the bookies’ perspective, a Leicester City win is the most likely outcome on Sunday, followed by a draw. If you’re interested, you can click here to find the latest odds, courtesy of sportsbookreview.com.
For his part, Unsworth is extremely confident ahead of the game at King Power Stadium. He’s setting high standards for Everton.
While some may laugh at this, given the Blues’ issues this season, it’s all about mindset – something which the 44-year-old should be applauded for. As reported by BBC Sport, he said:
"“This is Everton Football Club, we expect results. This club, our fans, expect results and expect a certain level of performance. We got that the other night and now we’ve got to back it up with a couple of wins quickly – not for me, for the club. The club is the most important thing.”"
Comments like that, must be music to the ears of Evertonians, especially compared to the almost detached and impersonal Ronald Koeman. It really is like night and day between the two gentlemen.
Of course, words can only go so far. If Everton don’t start producing better results on the pitch, it won’t matter what Unsworth says.
For now though, Blues fans will continue to enjoy listening to what the 44-year-old has to offer. Again reported by BBC Sport, Unsworth said:
"“We will do our homework on Leicester… pick a team to win the game with the individuals we have available. It is not difficult at all when you are working with top talent.”"
Here’s hoping the players can justify their manager’s confidence. Otherwise, it’s going to be a long season, battling at the wrong end of the table.
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Prediction: 1-1
Everton will put in another hard-working performance and earn something positive from this game. However, they will have to contend with a Leicester City side also fighting for their Premier League lives, with the two sides effectively cancelling each other out.
Next: Night and day between Koeman and Unsworth
Is there anything in particular that seems important from the information provided? In addition, what’s your prediction for the final outcome on Sunday? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.