Marco Silva will be desperate to justify resting so many key players in Tuesday’s Cup exit to Southampton when his side face Leicester at the KP Stadium.
Despite taking the Saints to penalties at Goodison, Everton were anything but inspiring and fringe players did not grab their opportunity.
Theo Walcott cancelled out Danny Ings’ opener with a late strike but some dreadful spot kicks from the Toffees saw their Carabao Cup hopes vanish.
The Blues now have to wait until the FA Cup for another shot at ending that two decade long trophy drought, but until then, full focus is on the Premier League, starting with the Foxes.
Since Claude Puel’s side lost two on the bounce against Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, they have gone on to win their last three games.
A 3-1 win over Huddersfield was followed by a penalty shootout success against Wolves before they downed Newcastle 2-0 at St. James’ Park last weekend.
City are sitting in a healthy eighth place after seven games and could go as high fourth with a comprehensive victory against Everton.
The Blues have faced Leicester on 108 occasions, with the Merseysiders coming away victorious 41 times, with the Foxes beating this weekend’s opponents 35 times while 32 of the games have finished in stalemate.
One to watch
James Maddison celebrated his first, well deserved, call-up to the senior England national side this week.
The 21-year-old has been in fine form this campaign, he is the Foxes’ joint top scorer alongside Jamie Vardy with three.
He also has two assists and the former Norwich attacking midfielder could prove to be a thorn in Everton’s side on Saturday.
Team news
Andre Gomes started training with the first team this week but won’t be in contention to make his debut yet.
Yerry Mina is still a doubt after Bernard stamped on his foot in a training ground incident last week. Phil Jagielka, James McCarthy and Seamus Coleman are all still absent.
Man in the middle
Andre Marriner will take the whistle at the King Power, he has taken charge of seven matches this term and has shown 20 yellow cards.
There is no problem with being disappointed when your team loses. There is no problem…
Everton have launched a microsite which serves to provide information about how the club will…
I will never buy one of ToffeeArt’s my first match celebrations. Not because I have…
Substitute Beto heads home a 94th minute stoppage-time equaliser to extend Everton's Premier League unbeaten…
With bottom-five finishes in the last three seasons, it’s been a torrid time to be…
Dwight McNeil's outstanding brace propelled Everton to a 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace at…