Paul Merson raises 'huge problem' at Everton as Leicester City scoreline predicted

Everton could face a season-defining problem if they lose at Leicester City this weekend, according to Paul Merson.

The ex-Arsenal midfielder has backed the Toffees to pick up 2-1 victory on Saturday (21 September) for their first three points of the season, but warned against the "huge" consequences of a defeat.

Sean Dyche's side have lost all four of their Premier League matches so far in the new campaign, including surrendering two 2-0 leads in back-to-back 3-2 defeats by Bournemouth and Aston Villa.

Speaking to Sportskeeda [19 September], Merson said: "The defeat against Villa won't define Everton's season – but if they end up losing to Leicester like they did against Bournemouth, that's a huge problem.

"Everton have to win this game. They have a few winnable fixtures coming up after this, so it's crucial to set the right tone.

"I just don't think Leicester will be able to prevent Everton from securing a win here. There's no two ways about it in my opinion, only one winner in this clash."

Everton set for first Premier League win?

Just the fifth match of the Premier League season does seem early to call any match a 'six-pointer', but given how badly the Toffees have started, the clash with Leicester is shaping up to be just that.

The Foxes are also winless so far in their return to the top flight, but two draws from four games has left them clear of the relegation zone – which Dyche's side are currently rooted to the bottom of.

With the likes of Wolves, newly-promoted Ipswich and Southampton also suffering poor starts to the season, a maiden Blues victory would ease the pressure on everyone at Goodison Park's shoulders.

While Merson was confident that the Toffees could defeat Leicester away from home, a fifth straight defeat could have dire consequences for Dyche's position, regardless of what is relayed by the club [Sky Sports, 18 September].

Any semblance of a feel-good factor at Goodison is currently non-existent with uncertainty from top to bottom, but that could all change if the Blues come out of this must-win match victorious.

In other Everton news, one TalkSPORT pundit has highlighted why he thinks the club are suffering with such a lengthy injury list.

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