Everton’s predicted lineup vs. Leicester City: Does James Rodriguez hold the key to victory?

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: James Rodriguez of Everton shoots under pressure from Joey Pelupessy (L) and Jack Marriott of Sheffield Wednesday during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park on January 24, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: James Rodriguez of Everton shoots under pressure from Joey Pelupessy (L) and Jack Marriott of Sheffield Wednesday during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park on January 24, 2021 in Liverpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Everton
Everton (Photo by Nick Potts – Pool/Getty Images)

Everton managed to win 2-0 against Leicester the last time these two sides clashed.

After a pleasing, professional performance against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup on Sunday, Everton head into two huge Premier League games this week with confidence.

The Blues play Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime, but before that they face in-form Leicester City at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. The Foxes have put in some scintillating displays in recent weeks and have a chance of mounting a serious title challenge if they are able to maintain this run of form for the remainder of the season.

Jamie Vardy will be a big miss for Leicester as he is sidelined through injury, but Brendan Rodgers will still have plenty of talent available to him to trouble Everton tomorrow night.

As for the Toffees, they have their own selection problems to deal with, with Allan still sidelined with an injury and Abdoulaye Doucoure unavailable due to a suspension. However, Carlo Ancelotti will be delighted to have Dominic Calvert-Lewin back and amongst the goals after netting the opener at the weekend, and is also set to welcome Lucas Digne and Alex Iwobi back to the squad after the pair missed the FA Cup tie through injury.

Everton have a chance to do the league double over Leicester City, after their impressive 2-0 away victory at the King Power stadium last month, but that is easier said than done. Ancelotti will be sure to field his strongest possible side this Wednesday, and this is how we think the Toffees will line up.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford sat out the game against Sheffield Wednesday and watched on as Robin Olsen deputised and put in another assured display.

However, Pickford is expected to return to the starting line-up against Leicester. The England goalkeeper has been in decent form himself and remains Everton’s first choice goalkeeper and will surely be favoured by Ancelotti for one of the Blues’ biggest games of the season.