The Premier League’s festive fixture congestion often separates the resilient from the rest, and Leicester City’s Harry Maguire has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of their crucial New Year’s Day clash at Everton. Following Saturday’s heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Cardiff, the Foxes’ center-back has emphasized the squad’s readiness to rebound immediately – a testament to the mental fortitude that’s defined their surprising wins over Chelsea and Manchester City earlier this month.
The Cardiff Hangover: Analyzing Leicester’s Shock Defeat
Few could have predicted Neil Warnock’s relegation battlers would topple Claude Puel’s in-form side, especially after James Maddison’s 70th-minute penalty miss against goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. The real dagger came in the 90th minute when Victor Camarasa’s wonder-strike – against the run of play – sealed three unexpected points for the Bluebirds.
Maguire‘s post-match analysis to Crickex was telling: “We dominated possession (63%) and created better xG (1.7 vs 0.8) according to Opta, but football’s about moments. Camarasa’s strike was world-class – sometimes you just hold your hands up.”
Everton Challenge: A Tactical Preview
With just one point separating these mid-table rivals (Everton 9th, Leicester 8th), Tuesday’s Goodison Park encounter carries European qualification implications. Marco Silva’s Toffees present contrasting threats:
Key Battle Zones:
- Set-Piece Supremacy: Both teams rank top-6 in aerial duels won (Leicester 1st with 24.3/game)
- Midfield Creativity: Maddison (5.2 key passes/90) vs Sigurdsson (2.8) in the #10 role
- Defensive Stability: Everton’s 11 clean sheets in 2018 vs Leicester’s improved backline (only 3 goals conceded in last 5 away games)
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher noted on Crickex tactical breakdown: “Leicester’s 4-2-3-1 struggles against Everton’s pressing 4-3-3. Puel must decide whether to stick or twist after the Cardiff disappointment.”
Squad Rotation: The Festive Season Gamble
With this being Leicester’s fourth match in 11 days, fitness concerns loom large:
| Player | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jonny Evans | Illness (50% chance) | Would force Amartey into back three |
| Hamza Choudhury | Rested (Expected return) | Adds midfield physicality |
| Jamie Vardy | Played 270′ last 10 days | Likely rotated for Shinji Okazaki |
Leicester’s squad undergoes recovery training at Belvoir Drive – note Choudhury’s return to full sessions
Maguire dismissed fatigue excuses: “We’ve got one of the fittest squads in the league. The gaffer’s rotation policy means everyone’s fresh – no one’s running on empty.”
Historical Context: Foxes’ Goodison Hoodoo
Leicester’s recent record at Everton makes grim reading:
- Last win: 2016 (1-0, title-winning season)
- 3 consecutive defeats since
- Conceded 2+ goals in last 4 visits
However, as Crickex resident statistician David Wilkinson points out: “This Everton side has kept just one clean sheet in their last seven home games. There will be chances.”
Maguire’s Leadership: The X-Factor
The England international’s influence extends beyond his defensive duties:
- 87% pass accuracy (2nd among PL CBs)
- 4 goals this season (set-piece threat)
- Vocal organizer of Leicester’s high line
His battle with Everton’s physical striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could decide the match. As Maguire told Crickex: “I relish these duels. After Cardiff, we owe our fans a proper performance.”
Conclusion: New Year, New Leicester?
As the Premier League’s hectic schedule continues, Leicester’s response to adversity will reveal their true European credentials. With Arsenal and Manchester United looming later in January, three points at Goodison could spark another surprise surge up the table.
Will Maguire and company start 2023 with a statement victory? Share your predictions using #CrickexExpertAnalysis on social media!
