Chris Sutton predicts Everton vs Leicester City result for BBC Sport with loser relegation prediction
Chris Sutton believes Leicester have their “swagger” back and will beat Everton at the King Power on Monday (1 May) in a result that could end the Toffees’ chances of survival.
Sean Dyche’s side go into the game in 19th, sitting a point and a place behind their similarly threatened opponents, meaning one side can strike a major blow in the relegation battle with a win.
The Foxes came back to draw 1-1 at Leeds on Tuesday (25 April) while Everton were thrashed 4-1 at home by Newcastle on Thursday, and the relative confidence in either side is what Sutton thinks will make the difference in a 2-1 Leicester win.
In his BBC Sport predictions Sutton said: “Both of these teams are in the bottom three and a win would be huge for whoever gets it.
“I still think Leicester are a bit of a soft touch at the back but there are signs they have found a little bit of spark under Dean Smith. Jamie Vardy is back in the side and looking lively and we know how sharp James Maddison is.
“Everton’s performances have fallen away and they seem very short of confidence too but you know what their manager Sean Dyche will do here – he will target the Foxes from set-plays, which is where they have struggled.
“It might work but I still think Leicester will have too much quality for them and it is hard to see Everton surviving if they do lose a game like this.
“Do I trust Leicester defensively? Absolutely not. Do I trust them to defend set-pieces? No chance. But what I did see from them in their draw with Leeds was a bit of belief and they had some of their swagger back.
“Leicester will fancy themselves to win this – Everton won’t.”
On the brink
Even a draw wouldn’t be especially helpful if it allows teams above to pull away but a loss to Smith’s side when both are currently in the bottom three is unthinkable.
Confidence among the Evertonians is probably even lower than it is inside the dressing room currently, as the players at least have the ability to do something about it if they could produce a performance.
The supporters have done what they can in backing the team but it hasn’t translated onto the pitch, and the manner of the Newcastle loss was not inspiring in any way.
If Dyche can get his side to take advantage of set pieces, and they are able to do so early, then it could turn the tables quickly and put pressure on Leicester in front of their own concerned fans.
But unless Everton find some of the fight that has dried up over the past few games it won’t make much difference, and things are starting to look like they are only going one way.
There were times under Frank Lampard where the battle looked lost last season but a 1-0 over Chelsea exactly a year before the trip to Leicester on 1 May showed belief was still there, and that is exactly what is needed again this time around.