Everton vs. Leicester City Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 1 February 2025 - bettingexpert
Everton welcome Leicester City to Goodison Park on 1 February 2025 in a crucial Premier League showdown. Both teams find themselves precariously close to the relegation zone, with Everton sitting 16th on 23 points and Leicester just behind in 17th on 17 points.
David Moyes’ return has brought optimism to Everton, highlighted by back-to-back wins for the first time since April 2024. Moyes, having recently managed his 700th Premier League match, will look to leverage this momentum against a Leicester side that’s showing flashes of resilience under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Leicester’s recent victory over Tottenham, thanks to Jakub Stolarczyk’s heroics, indicates they won’t be easy pushovers. However, with both teams boasting fragile defenses, it’s wise to expect a high-scoring game.
Match Prediction
Given recent form and defensive vulnerabilities, our recommended bet is to go for over 2.5 goals at odds of 2.07. Everton’s slight edge as the bookmaker favourite makes them a more likely victor in this close contest.
Everton vs Leicester Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this match is to go for over 2.5 goals.
| Everton vs Leicester Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 2.07 |
- Both Everton and Leicester have shown fragile defenses, making multiple goals likely.
- Previous encounters often feature numerous goals and suggest a high-scoring, open game.
- A draw won’t satisfy either team given their position in the league, increasing chances for active offensive play.
This makes over 2.5 goals at odds of 2.07 a promising bet for this match.
Everton vs Leicester Odds
Here’s a look at the betting odds for this crucial Premier League clash:
| Everton vs Leicester Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Everton | 1.77 |
| Draw | 3.63 |
| Leicester | 4.64 |
These odds make Everton the bookmakers’ favourites to secure a win at Goodison Park. Leicester City, despite a recent victory against Tottenham, face tougher odds in this match-up. The possibility of a draw is moderately valued by the bookmakers.
With both teams fighting to avoid relegation and their defenses being somewhat brittle, betting on multiple goals in this encounter seems prudent.
Everton Team Analysis
Everton Recent Performance
Everton’s recent form has seen some improvement under David Moyes, with the Toffees winning three out of their last five games. Their recent performances have pulled them out of immediate relegation danger, showing resilience and a fighting spirit.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton | Everton | 0-1 (Win) |
| Everton | Tottenham | 3-2 (Win) |
| Everton | Aston Villa | 0-1 (Loss) |
| Everton | Peterborough | 2-0 (Win) |
| Bournemouth | Everton | 1-0 (Loss) |
Everton managed to keep two clean sheets in their last five matches. The team has been averaging 1.20 goals per game, showcasing their capability in attack, especially with Iliman Ndiaye contributing significantly as the top scorer with five goals.
However, the defence remains a concern, which is something Moyes will need to address quickly. With upcoming fixtures against strong opponents like Liverpool, maintaining this momentum is crucial for their survival in the Premier League.
Everton Key Players
Everton’s improved form under David Moyes has been driven by key players like Iliman Ndiaye, who is the top scorer with five goals this season. His ability to find the net will be essential against Leicester’s defence. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, another vital player, will look to take advantage of any defensive lapses. Jesper Lindstrøm, operating from the right wing, adds creativity and pace, making him a crucial part of the attack.
Defensively, Jordan Pickford’s experience between the sticks and James Tarkowski’s leadership at the back will be vital. Injuries to key players like Dwight McNeil and Armando Broja could influence the lineup.
Expected lineup for Everton:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitalii Mykolenko
- Midfielders: Orel Mangala, Idrissa Gueye, Jesper Lindstrøm, Abdoulaye Doucouré, Iliman Ndiaye
- Attackers: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Key battles to watch include Ndiaye vs Leicester’s centre-backs and Calvert-Lewin’s aerial duels against Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard. These individual contests could shape the outcome of the match.
Everton Suspensions & Injuries
Everton are grappling with a string of injuries that could impact their lineup against Leicester.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Iroegbunam | Foot injury | Early February 2025 |
| Dwight McNeil | Knee injury | Early February 2025 |
| Seamus Coleman | Muscle cramps | Early February 2025 |
| Youssef Chermiti | Muscle injury | Early February 2025 |
| Armando Broja | Leg injury | Early February 2025 |
David Moyes will need to adapt his tactics and selections, especially in the midfield and attacking areas due to the absence of crucial players like Broja and McNeil.
Their return is anticipated soon, offering a glimmer of hope for bolstering the squad in the upcoming fixtures.
Everton Tactics and Formation
Everton Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- Midfield Trio: Jesper Lindstrøm (right wing), Abdoulaye Doucouré (attacking midfielder), Iliman Ndiaye (left wing)
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
- Notable Strategy: Revitalized under David Moyes, focusing on solidifying defense while leveraging quick transitions to catch opponents off guard.
David Moyes has instilled a more disciplined approach, ensuring defensive solidity while capitalizing on quick breaks and set-pieces. The midfield duo of Orel Mangala and Idrissa Gueye provides a solid shield, allowing the creative trio ahead to feed Calvert-Lewin effectively. Everton’s recent form indicates a balanced game plan aimed at pressuring Leicester’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Leicester Team Analysis
Leicester Recent Performance
Leicester City has had a mixed bag in recent weeks, showcasing rather inconsistent form. Here’s a quick look at their last five matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Tottenham | Leicester | 1-2 (Win) |
| Leicester | Fulham | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Leicester | Crystal Palace | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Leicester | Queens Park Rangers | 6-2 (Win) |
| Aston Villa | Leicester | 2-1 (Loss) |
Leicester’s recent performances indicate a struggle to maintain clean sheets, with no shutouts in their last five games. Despite this, they’ve managed to average 1.80 goals per game, demonstrating some attacking potential with Jamie Vardy leading the charge. The lack of defensive solidity, however, might be a cause for concern for Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side as they look to secure crucial points away from home.
Leicester Key Players
Expected lineup for Leicester:
- Goalkeeper: Jakub Stolarczyk
- Defenders: James Justin, Jannik Vestergaard, Wout Faes, Victor Kristiansen
- Midfielders: Boubakary Soumaré, Harry Winks, Jordan Ayew, Bilal El Khannouss, Bobby Reid
- Attacker: Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy, Leicester’s top scorer with 7 goals, remains a pivotal figure up front. His ability to exploit any gaps in Everton’s defense could be crucial.
In midfield, Harry Winks will be essential in controlling the game’s tempo and breaking up Everton’s play.
Keep an eye on James Justin, who’ll have the task of containing Everton’s lively wingers. His defensive duties will be critical in preventing crosses into the box.
These players’ individual performances might well determine the outcome of this crucial match.
Leicester Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ricardo Pereira | Hamstring Injury | Mid March 2025 |
| Issahaku Fatawu | Cruciate ligament injury | Early August 2025 |
| Wilfred Ndidi | Thigh injury | Mid February 2025 |
| Mads Hermansen | Groin injury | Mid February 2025 |
Leicester City is dealing with a significant injury list, and these absences could notably impact their performance against Everton. Ricardo Pereira’s hamstring injury means they lose a key defender until mid-March, weakening their defensive depth.
Issahaku Fatawu and Wilfred Ndidi’s extended absences further strain their squad, making midfield control and defensive resilience harder to maintain.
With goalkeeper Mads Hermansen out until mid-February, Jakub Stolarczyk will need to step up in goal. This wave of injuries could foster vulnerabilities that Everton might exploit.
Leicester Tactics and Formation
Leicester City’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Jamie Vardy
- Attacking Midfielder: Bilal El Khannouss
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester side often employs a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying heavily on Jamie Vardy’s experience and goal-scoring prowess as their main forward. In midfield, the duo of Boubakary Soumaré and Harry Winks provides defensive solidity while facilitating quick transitions. The key attacking creative force is Bilal El Khannouss, who operates as an attacking midfielder with the freedom to roam and create opportunities.
Their defense, though recently vulnerable, features seasoned players like Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard, who aim to stabilize the backline amid multiple injuries. Leicester’s tactics prominently focus on quick counter-attacks, utilizing the pace and sharp finishing of Vardy. Expect the Foxes to concentrate on breaking through Everton’s lines swiftly.
Everton vs Leicester Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Leicester City | Everton | 1-1 |
| Leicester City | Everton | 2-2 |
| Everton | Leicester City | 0-2 |
| Leicester City | Everton | 1-2 |
| Everton | Leicester City | 1-1 |
Everton and Leicester City have had closely contested matches in their last five encounters. The results show a balanced record with both teams securing a win each and three draws, highlighting just how competitive these fixtures tend to be.
Given the history, fans can expect another tightly-fought battle at Goodison Park.
Odds accurate as of 30.01.2025 15:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
