Leicester v Everton: What the managers say

Both Leicester City and Everton know what is on the line in Monday night's crucial encounter at the King Power Stadium as this fixture pits two of the three teams in the relegation zone against each other.

LEI

2-2

EVE

close

TV Info

Broadcasters

Victory for either side would move them out of the bottom three and provide a huge confidence boost heading into the final four matches.

But how are managers Dean Smith and Sean Dyche approaching such a vital encounter?

"It's the same as we handled the Leeds game," explained Leicester manager Smith. "It’s a big game for both teams because of the position we’re both in in the league.

"The games are running out, obviously. This time we’ll have home advantage, and we want to use that to our advantage.

"I expect a real tough, committed performance from Everton."

Smith has taken four points from a possible nine going into this match since being appointed by Leicester, and is undefeated in all six Premier League meetings with Everton, winning three of four at home. 

However, the Foxes have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 18 top-flight matches, while Everton are winless in 12 Premier League away matches since a 2-1 victory at Southampton on 1 October.

"The stakes have been high since I got here," Dyche told Everton's official website. "[A win at Leicester] creates a different atmosphere. If we go down there, take on the game and win, then it creates a different atmosphere and the belief floods back in very quickly. 

"It's strange how quickly it can turn around.

See: Why Leicester v Everton is a must-win for both teams

"The key point is you making it happen, I can't emphasise that enough. I say it to the players constantly - you make things happen in football. 

"Now and again you get a lucky one but even that doesn't really build belief. The ones that build belief are when you take it on, then deliver and get a result." 

The relegation battle

Position Pos	Club	Played Pl	GD	Points Pts
15	Bournemouth BOU	38	-34	39
16	Nottingham Forest NFO	38	-30	38
17	Everton EVE	38	-23	36
18	Leicester City LEI	38	-17	34
19	Leeds United LEE	38	-30	31
20	Southampton SOU	38	-37	25

View More