Vardy to Start & Key Winger Dropped: Leicester City Predicted XI, Team Updates, and Injury News vs Everton – Analysis

Leicester City are preparing to face Everton at the King Power Stadium in what is shaping up to be a crucial Premier League fixture.

With neither team performing at their best, this match offers a pivotal opportunity for Leicester to gain momentum and secure their first win of the season.

Leicester, under the guidance of Steve Cooper, have shown flashes of promise but have yet to earn a victory.

In their most recent outing, Cooper’s late-game substitutions played a part in the Foxes conceding a last-minute goal to Crystal Palace, leaving them still searching for that elusive first win.

This match presents a prime chance for Cooper to turn things around as Leicester face an Everton side that has struggled this season and remains without a point in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

While widespread changes to Leicester’s lineup are unlikely, Cooper may tweak his starting eleven, particularly considering some players’ recent form.

A few underperforming individuals could find themselves on the bench as Cooper seeks to strike the right balance.

On the injury front, Leicester will continue to be without striker Patson Daka, who remains sidelined after sustaining an ankle injury in the final pre-season match against RC Lens.

However, the Foxes will be boosted by the availability of their Deadline Day signing, Odsonne Edouard.

The striker, on loan from Crystal Palace, was ineligible to play against his parent club in the previous match but is expected to be part of the squad for this crucial encounter with Everton.

Edouard’s match fitness is reportedly at 100%, so his lack of recent game time should not prevent him from featuring in the lineup.

As for Leicester’s potential starting XI, Mads Hermansen will likely retain his place as goalkeeper following a solid display in the last match.

Cooper is expected to stick with a similar defensive setup, especially given their overall strong showing against Crystal Palace.

The central midfield duo of Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp, who previously played together at Tottenham Hotspur, impressed in the last fixture, combining well and controlling the pace of the game.

It seems improbable that Cooper will change this pairing, as their influence will be crucial against Everton.

Wilfred Ndidi, often deployed as an attacking midfielder in recent games, delivered two assists in the previous match and is expected to keep his spot.

Jamie Vardy, who found the back of the net in the draw with Palace, will also likely lead the attack once more.

However, Cooper may look to freshen up his options on the flanks, with Jordan Ayew and Stephy Mavididi potentially dropping to the bench after underwhelming performances.

Ayew struggled against his former club, while Mavididi, despite scoring, was often dispossessed and wasteful in key moments.

In their place, Abdul Fatawu could be given a chance to impress, while Bilal El Khannouss might make his first start for Leicester.

Here is the predicted Leicester City lineup for the Everton clash:

Predicted XI:

Hermansen

Justin, Faes, Okoli, Kristiansen

Winks, Skipp, El Khannouss, Ndidi

Fatawu, Vardy

This game is an opportunity for Leicester to capitalize on Everton’s poor form and earn a much-needed victory.