Everton at Leicester City: Match Preview

Despite an exciting summer that saw the club bring in Romelu Lukaku for a record £28 million fee, the Toffees were inconsistent in their preseason games, failing to win a single match. Supporters are nonetheless excited for Roberto Martinez's second season in charge as the squad will compete in the European Football for the first time since 2008-09. Their first test of the new season will be against newly promoted Leicester City, a team they lost to 1-0 in their preseason game in Bangkok, Thailand.

Team News

The big news of the week is that Christian Atsu has been confirmed as the newest signing and will join the team on season long loan from Chelsea.

Fitness has been a concern for Belgian duo Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku, but manager Roberto Martinez is confident both players will be available for Saturday's match. Captain Phil Jagielka was also battling fitness concerns of his own but recently said that he would be ready for the start of the campaign.

In injury news, Seamus Coleman has been a participant in training this week but it is still unclear if the Republic of Ireland international will being in the squad this weekend. Martinez has stated that he will give the player every opportunity to get fit ahead of the game.

For Leicester City, midfielder Marc Albrighton is doubtful for this weekend's match-up after injuring his groin during the preseason. Additionally, the Foxes have remained hopeful that they can secure the signature of Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso after his contract recently expired with Inter Milan.

What to Watch For

It will be interesting to see if any of the new summer signings will see the field in this game. Gareth Barry should be starting in midfield for the Toffees, but it is still unclear if striker Romelu Lukaku will be in the lineup as he looks to regain his fitness following the World Cup. Loanee Christian Atsu will likely be a last minute decision for the game after joining the team this week and Muhamed Besic should be in the lineup but would likely come off the bench.

Keep an eye on Leicester City striker David Nugent, the self-professed Evertonian scored 22 goals in all competitions for the Foxes last year and is no doubt trying to impress in his first season back in the Premier League since 2009-2010. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will be another player to watch as he returns to the Premier League for the first time after failing to impress with Manchester City. However, the Danish international has his work cut out for him as he looks to compete in the same league as his father, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel.

Match Facts

• This will be the first time these two teams have faced each other in the Premier League since the 2003-2004 season when the squads played to a 1-1 draw.
• Everton was nearly relegated that season as they finished 17th, Leicester City finished 18th and was relegated to the Championship.
• Leicester City has not defeated Everton since the 1998-1999 season when the Toffees lost 2-0.
• That season Leicester City were runners-up in the League Cup, losing to Tottenham in the final 1-0.