Everton 2-2 Leicester City - reaction

1. Upson heads into his own net late on
2. Cambiasso slots in from Vardy cutback
3. Nugent scores from close range
4. Naismith bundles hosts in front

Goodbye

So it turned into a thrilling game at Goodison Park, with both sides left frustrated that they didn't pick up the full three points.

We will leave that there, but not before I've pointed you in the direction of our live text commentary from the Southampton v Liverpool match, where the visitors are currently leading 1-0 after Philippe Coutinho's early goal.

Thanks for joining us and for your comments. Bye for now.

Manager reaction

And some more from Leicester manager Nigel Pearson, who says: "The fashion of the result is the hardest thing. What we have to do is look forward, we can't dwell on this. We have very capable players and we have to start turning the performances into results.

AFP

"I can't do too much about what is being speculated. I always do my job as conscientiously as I can and I will continue to do that until I am told otherwise. I'm committed to job and that's all you need to know.

"All managers work in situations where things can change quickly. I have always been very supportive of our owners, and they have of me, and they will make decisions that are right for this football club."

Manager reaction

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson says: "It feels a bit like a defeat at moment because their equaliser came so late but we forced the issue right to the end.

"We frustrated Everton and their fans to a certain extent as we played with a lot of discipline and we looked dangerous.

"What's needed is more wins and we will get them if we perform to that standard. We have put in some good performances that have not yielded the points. It was important for us to have a positive response with the substitutions. It was about getting fresh legs on there."

Manager reaction

A few more quotes from Everton boss Roberto Martinez.

He says: "Drawing games is frustrating but as a team we gave everything today. It's been a demanding week and we need to learn about coming back from Europe, but that is not going to happen overnight.

"We need to defend well in the box because at two moments in the match we conceded soft goals. Everyone is in the scrap until you get 40 points, that's the way the league works. Our focus is to get as high up the league as we can.

"When you come back from Europe - you have seen with other teams around - it can be very difficult."

Player reaction

AFP

Leicester striker David Nugent, who scored after coming on as a second-half substitute, said: "It's a nice feeling to score. Being an Everton fan, you always want to score at Goodison. I thought we might've held on and won the game but we conceded a late goal so it feels like two points dropped.

"With five minutes to go you always expect a team with Premier League quality to hang on. It was hard to take but it's still a positive result.

"There's a four-point gap and it should've been a two-point gap."

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Johnny Magrinho: Tim Howard clearly isn't useless he's just had, what do you call it, a bad game! Such an overreaction from fickle fans again!

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Player reaction

Everton's Steven Naismith, who scored his side's first goal, said: "In the first half we didn't play anywhere near what we're capable of. We were very slow in our passing and didn't cause any problems to Leicester. In the second half the game opened up, but a lack of concentration cost us and it is not good enough from us.

"When you work so hard to get into Europe, the Europa League is the next level and we need to get used to that, but it is something we have not equipped ourselves well enough with."

Manager reaction

More from Everton boss Roberto Martinez. He says: "We wanted to win so much, but we didn't have that defensive solidity and that cost us the three points.

Getty Images

"Playing in Switzerland and then again here, it's a demanding schedule for us and we need to learn how to come back from playing in Europe.

"Once we got the first goal, it was unfortunate that we couldn't kick on and take the game away from Leicester."

Manager reaction

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says: "We looked a bit pedestrian and we knew it was going to be a difficult game. Scoring the first goal is always the hardest moment, but once we did that we didn't take control.

"We always expected Leicester to get into good positions but we didn't defend in the box well.

AFP

"It's fantastic to show the character to get back into the game, it shows we will never give up and keep fighting until the end."

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Peter Conlan: That is one of the worst goalkeeper performances I have seen in a long time! Tim Howard is useless.

Naa Oyoe Ofei: Lukaku could have won this match for Everton if he had taken all the chances he had.

Cliff B: Rubbish defending as per always. Stones classy but we have been a shambles defensively since Stubbs left.

Paul Blayney: Howard back in first XI too easily. Shows him he has no competition, even though Joel kept three clean sheets in previous games

We have one more game for you today. And it is at St Mary's Stadium between Southampton and Liverpool.

AFP

Here is the team news

On-loan Benfica midfielder Filip Djuricic makes his first Southampton start, one of three changes to the side who draw with West Ham last time out. Left-back Matty Targett returns to action after recovering from the head injury suffered at QPR two weeks ago, and so Maya Yoshida moves back to central defence. James Ward-Prowse replaces Harrison Reed in midfield.

Raheem Sterling returns to Liverpool's starting line-up - having fully recovered from a recent foot injury - with Daniel Sturridge dropping to the bench. Former Southampton centre-back Dejan Lovren replaces Mamadou Sakho, who has a hip problem, while Lazar Markovic comes in at left-wing back for Alberto Moreno.

Southampton XI: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Yoshida, Targett; Wanyama, Davis, Ward-Prowse; Djuricic, Pelle, Elia.

Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Can, Skrtel, Lovren; Ibe, Henderson, Allen, Markovic; Lallana, Coutinho, Sterling.

We have a separate live text commentary from that game, but stay with us for reaction from Goodison Park.

So this is how the Premier League table looks after a thrilling second half at Goodison Park.

BBC Sport

Former Leicester striker Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live

"You feel Leicester just needed the win to keep them in touch with those around them in the table but it was a really good performance. There were chances for Romelu Lukaku as well so probably 2-2 is a fair result but they were so close to that elusive win that will be the springboard for them to stay up."

BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Brown at Goodison Park

"Leicester were attacking right at the death and Tim Howard just got a knuckle to the ball to clear. He did not cover himself in glory today though. Romelu Lukaku missed a hatful but in a triumph of perseverance helped force the goal that levelled for his side. Leicester were so close to the victory, but they will stay bottom of the table.

"Not a good reaction from the Everton fans at the end. They haven't won here in the league this year. It's another draw for them."

BBC Sport

FULL-TIME

PA

It is all over. Boos ring around Goodison Park, but it could have been a lot worse for the hosts. One win in 10 league games for Everton, Leicester's first point in five matches.

Leicester remain bottom, but are four points behind QPR, Burnley and Aston Villa.

Matty James to take it, Tim Howard again flaps at the ball, but Everton keep the ball out of the net.

Leicester corner. Last chance.

Leicester corner comes to nothing.

Romelu Lukaku's header is blocked. Everton pushing for a dramatic winner.

Four minutes of injury time.

GOAL

PA

Well, hold that thought. The ball is in the net and it is 2-2. At first glance it looks like Romelu Lukaku has scored with a diving header, before replays show it is Leicester defender Matthew Upson who got the final touch. But Everton will not care about that. Leicester denied.

WHAT A MISS

Thursday was a great day for Romelu Lukaku - he scored a hat-trick.

Today is not a great day. He has now made a hat-trick of horrible misses. This latest chance sees him slide it wide after Baines's effort fell to him.

Reuters

As Ada mentions, goalkeeper Tim Howard was an American hero during the 2014 World Cup, making 16 saves against Belgium, a new record in the tournament.

Us President Barack Obama praised the efforts of the US football team in the World Cup in a phone call to two of its star players.

Despite the US being eliminated from the tournament by Belgium, Mr Obama told Howard and team captain Clint Dempsey they had made the nation proud.

"To see the way you guys captured the hearts and the imaginations of the whole country is unbelievable."

The President may not be on the phone to Howard tonight.

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Ada: Hasn't been a year since Tim Howard became a household name in the United States because of his brilliant World Cup. What happened?

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Loving Liverpool

A great stat for you.

Leicester have scored more than once in only two of their last 13 Premier League games: away at Liverpool and away at Everton.

How it stands

BBC Sport

Leicester looked doomed before this game, five points adrift at the bottom, but the table is looking a bit healthier for Foxes fans. This scoreline will also drag Everton into a relegation battle if it remains the same.

WHAT A MISS

Yet again, Romelu Lukaku should get his name on the scoresheet after he runs on to an intelligent ball over a static Leicester defence from Steven Naismith.

Lukaku, at a tight angle, runs on to the pass, but makes a hash of it, failing to get a proper contact on the ball, which dribbles out harmlessly for a goal kick.

Former Portsmouth striker Steve Claridge

BBC Radio 5 live

"The two substitutions Nigel Pearson made after Leicester went behind have played a massive part in this. Jamie Vardy has had a hand in both goals. It's a good job they kept the manager eh?"

BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Brown at Goodison Park

"Leicester come from behind to lead Everton and it's another mistake from goalkeeper Tim Howard. He can only palm away a high, hanging cross, and Esteban Cambiasso was on hand to finish into the centre of the net."

GOAL

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Scott has just called him the worst goalkeeper in the Premier League, and it is another disaster for Tim Howard. He flaps at a cross and can only palm the ball to Jamie Vardy.

The substitute made Leicester's first goal and he now has two assists inside 10 minutes. His short pass is smashed home by an on-rushing Esteban Cambiasso and the Argentine puts the bottom club ahead.

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Max Wild: Shocking from Everton, no communication.

Scott Mayes: Tim Howard - hands down, the worst keeper in the Premier League this season.

Mike W: Re: Karen Lynch (see 51 mins), Burnley have done better and spent less than Leicester, who have broken their transfer record twice this season on strikers.

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CLOSE!

See, it is becoming a classic now. I'm sure none of you thought it would be anything else, especially at half-time.

But we should have just seen the third goal in 10 minutes as Romelu Lukaku wastes a glorious chance to put Everton back in front, shooting over the top when he should have hit the target.

BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Brown at Goodison Park

PA

"David Nugent was set up by Jamie Vardy - it was his cross parried out by Tim Howard - and they have both just come off the bench. A wonderful double substitution from Nigel Pearson. Leicester were only behind for minutes."

GOAL

Getty Images

Absolute genius from Nigel Pearson. He has only just come on, but David Nugent has made it level. He is there to pounce after Tim Howard can only palm the ball into the one-time England striker's path, and Nugent nets from eight yards out.

The original shot had come from the other substitute Jamie Vardy, following his run down the right flank.

SUBSTITUTION

Leicester boss Nigel Pearson is forced into action and he brings on David Nugent, a boyhood Everton fan in place of Riyad Mahrez.

Jeffrey Schlupp will be left to reflect on his miss at the start of the second half when it was goalless as he has also come off, in place of Jamie Vardy.

GOAL

Getty Images

It is not the best strike of Steven Naismith's life, but he will not care about that one bit. Romelu Lukaku, who has come in from a lot of stick from some of you today, passes to Naismith, who cuts inside to bring the ball on to his right foot.

His effort is a bit scuffed, but it still has enough power to go underneath the diving Wes Morgan and nestle in the bottom corner of Mark Schwarzer's net.

That's the sixth goal of the season for Everton from the Scotland international.

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Bryan Cooper: What's happened to Ross Barkley this season? He doesn't look like a Premier League player at the moment, let alone an international.

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SUBSTITUTION

Roberto Martinez has had enough and makes a double change. Off go Ross Barkley and Muhamed Besic with Darron Gibson and Chelsea loanee Christian Atsu the men coming on for Everton.

There are some signs that we will see a good second half. Romelu Lukaku releases Ross Barkley, but his low cross is blocked by Robert Huth. Leicester then go down the other end and have a corner, which Huth heads over.

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Daniel Kelly: Everton have really turned into a team that are boring to watch. Definitely have turned into Wigan the year they got relegated.

Karen Lynch: I'd like Leicester to stay up. They have done brilliantly well and they haven't bought their way there.

Mike Hall: Total age of Leicester back five is 35+33+31+28+42 =169, making an average age of 33.8. That's got to be a record!?

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CLOSE!

Another chance. And another chance for Leicester. Riyad Mahrez finds himself unmarked at the back post from a corner. The Algerian has time to take a touch and get off a shot, but goes for the spectacular volley and can't keep it down.

CLOSE!

Getty Images

I told you (rather hopefully) that there will be goals. And there should have been one for Leicester within two minutes of the restart.

The ball falls to Jeffrey Schlupp, who drags a shot wide after Tim Howard could only parry Matthew James's low shot. Schlupp has looked the most dangerous Leicester player so far, and should be celebrating a goal.

Here we go again. Back under way at Goodison Park. Stay tuned for all the goals that are sure to be coming in the second half.

Seen these?

A couple of things to read / watch from elsewhere on the BBC Sport site.

BBC Sport

Watch an incredible video from Saturday's Conference North game between Worcester City and Stockport. After being fouled by Stockport's Charlie Russell, Worcester City's Shab Khan responds by picking him up and throwing him to the ground in a wrestling style.

QPR defender Rio Ferdinand says the incident in which Chelsea fans stopped a black man boarding a Paris train shows football cannot be complacent about tackling racism.

Europa League - good or bad?

Today we've been asking for your thoughts on how competing in the Europa League can affect a club's domestic campaign.

Matt Jones: There's no difference in the Thursday/Sunday Europa games and the Wednesday/Saturday Champions League games.

Pjm, Glasgow: It isn't the number of games that is the trouble after Europa Thursdays, it's the turnaround from an away game Thursday until say early kick-off on Sunday. Getting the diet right and focusing on the next match. The margins are so small that if you are just a tiny bit off then you will drop points.

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You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Spurs-West Ham reaction, Southampton-Liverpool preview

We also have another live text commentary going on, which has reaction to the 2-2 draw between Tottenham and West Ham, as well as previewing the Southampton v Liverpool game.

BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Brown at Goodison Park

"Not much quality in the wind and rain today, it's been mostly scruffy stuff. The best chance of the half was Romelu Lukaku's shot hit over the bar from inside the box.

"Leicester's best chance came when Jeffrey Schlupp took the ball down inside the box with great control, before lashing it off target. That had manager Nigel Pearson shaking his head on the touchline, and really with survival at stake it was the kind of chance they needed to take."

First half stats

BBC Sport

HALF-TIME

Great block from Everton's John Stones. Riyad Mahrez's ball from the right wing takes a deflection off the head of Steven Naismith and nearly falls for striker Andrej Kramaric. But he can't get on it, although it then drops to Jeffrey Schlupp

The Ghana international catches his shot sweetly but England international Stones shows his bravery by throwing himself in front of the ball to divert it to safety.

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Conor McMeekin: Chelsea really did well getting shot of Romelu Lukaku, he is awful.

Bob: Lukaku looks like he's eaten all the pies, chips and mushy peas!

Steve: Leicester going for the psychological advantage by wearing what looks like a Liverpool kit.

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One shot on target from each side so far. And even they weren't very good ones. But, don't worry, it will get better.

BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Brown at Goodison Park

"This game has finally livened up, and after a couple of chances for Everton perhaps the home side should be in front.

AFP

"Dash and dare from Seamus Coleman saw the defender pull back for Romelu Lukaku, who smashed the ball over when he should have found the net, before Ross Barkley too was guilty of blazing over when well-placed.

"Leicester have had half chances most notably when Andrej Kramaric curled wide on his right foot after a well-worked move."

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard still has not been tested by Leicester, although it is a better moment for the visitors.

Esteban Cambiasso fizzes a pass into Jeffrey Schlupp, who, 22 yards from goal, does well to control the ball on his chest, only to shoot off target.

Europa League - good or bad?

Today we've been asking for your thoughts on how competing in the Europa League can affect a club's domestic campaign.

Eric: Extra travel, possibility of injuries and possible fatigue due to extra games and time zone travel. Every game that a player takes part in will affect them. Sometimes it's good for match fitness but mostly it's energy sapping. Still, that doesn't mean your league performances should automatically suffer.

Laura Shanahan, Glasgow: Anyone saying there's not as much intensity in the Europa League (see 15 mins) should have been at Celtic Park on Thursday night!

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The hosts are beginning to get on top at Goodison Park, with a second good opportunity inside five minutes.

Again, it comes down the right wing, this time it is Aaron Lennon leading the charge after a through ball from Ross Barkley.

Lennon's low cross finds Romelu Lukaku, but the Belgian's first touch is heavy and allows Leicester defender Wes Morgan to get a block in. The ball falls back to Barkley, who, under pressure, can only shoot over the top.

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AFP

Dan Foye: Schwarzer, Morgan, Simpson, Huth, Konchesky and Cambiasso. No wonder Leicester are going down, it's not 2001 anymore!

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WHAT A MISS!

Getty Images

You have to hit the target from there. Romelu Lukaku was the hero on Thursday with a hat-trick against Young Boys in the Europa League. But he should put Everton ahead against Leicester.

It comes after a great run down the right wing from Seamus Coleman, who outpaces Matthew Upson, gets to the byeline and pulls the ball back for the waiting Lukaku, six yards out.

But it is an awful finish, with the ball sailing high over Mark Schwarzer's goal. That should be 1-0.

YELLOW CARD

Wes Morgan becomes the first man into Phil Dowd's notebook. A foul on the halfway line on Steven Naismith is the reason.

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KoloKK: No wonder Aaron Lennon was loaned out by Spurs. End delivery is terribly poor.

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A free-kick to Everton, Ross Barkley to take it just outside the area. It could be interesting. But isn't. He gets underneath it and the ball sails harmlessly over the bar. He looks down at the ground and is a bit sheepish.

AFP

Not much to get excited about at the moment from Goodison Park. Muhamed Besic has rolled a shot at Mark Schwarzer and Romelu Lukaku looked to have a chance but was denied by the assistant's flag. A lack of quality displayed so far.

BBC Sport

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Today we've been asking for your thoughts on how competing in the Europa League can affect a club's domestic campaign.

Kaushik Gorai: Please don't say Europa League is a distraction. What is the Champions League then? Agreed, there's a few less games, but it's a much higher intensity.

Conall, Preston: The only team who has been able to handle it recently was Wigan in the Championship. So if a Championship team can hack it with even more games, it's a pathetic excuse for those struggling in the Premier League.

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Everton are again able to run at the Leicester defence and it is the Foxes fault as Danny Simpson's mis-hit shot falls to Ross Barkley, who sprints into the Foxes' half.

He releases Aaron Lennon, but his low cross bounces off Matthew Upson's heels before Robert Huth hoofs the ball to safety. It has been an open start to this one, but Leicester need to stop the unforced errors.

Getty Images

Lovely move from Everton as Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley link up to send Seamus Coleman away down the right wing. Unfortunately for the home fans, the Irishman's low cross is cut out at the near post.

Elsewhere in the Premier League

In case you have not seen the result, there was a thrilling end to the match at White Hart Lane.

AFP

Harry Kane scored with the last kick of the game to earn Tottenham a 2-2 draw against West Ham.

Kane's 96th minute penalty was saved but he reacted quickest to give Spurs an unlikely point at White Hart Lane. West Ham had led 2-0 through goals from Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate with just nine minutes left to play.

Danny Rose's mis-hit long-range shot set up the comeback before Kane, who was felled by Alex Song for the spot-kick, pounced to score his 24th goal of the season.

Full reaction and analysis is available on our other live text commentary.

Getty Images

A bright start from the vistors. Jeffrey Schlupp, at the right corner of the penalty area, is able to create some space to have the first shot of the match. But Tim Howard has his angles right and is able to push the ball away for a corner, which is then wasted.

KICK-OFF

Here we go at Goodison Park. Will today be the day when Leicester show their best form? A defeat for Everton will leave them in relegation trouble.

They recorded a fantastic 4-1 victory in their last game against Young Boys on Thursday with Romelu Lukaku scoring a hat-trick. Can he find the back of the net again today?

BBC Sport

This is Roberto Martinez's second season in charge of Everton. I'm guessing he enjoyed the last campaign a lot more than he is this one.

Team news

BBC Sport

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC

Today we'd like to hear your thoughts on how competing in the Europa League can affect a club's domestic campaign.

Fans of five of the six clubs in action today might have something to say on the topic - especially as Everton have slipped down the table this year. And you might want to read our feature on the subject for a bit of research.

The top four spots are far from settled but would supporters of Liverpool, Southampton, West Ham and Tottenham welcome a spot in next year's competition?

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You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.

Manager quotes

Everton manager Roberto Martinez says: "I think we've been very consistent since we beat Crystal Palace away from home. It felt like a fresh start. The squad is getting stronger in terms of numbers and it's important we can make changes while keeping the urgency in our play.

"Leighton Baines' experience is a massive factor. Bryan Oviedo has picked up a little injury - he's been phenomenal for us. Leighton gives us a great balance with Seamus Coleman on the other side. Aaron Lennon is fresh, because he didn't travel with us in Europe, and I think we're going to see him as a really strong performer from now until the end of the season."

Manager quotes

Leicester manager Nigel Pearson says: "The performance at Arsenal was encouraging but we've got to get results. That's the thing that still eludes us, getting results.

"We've got some defensive experience on the field today and it allows our flair players to play with a little bit more freedom. We hope we can play with a bit of style today but it's about winning the game.

"I was tempted to go two up top but our wide players who have been consistently good this season, and we want to get them into a situation where they can cause Everton a few problems."

BBC

How they stand

BBC Sport

So this is the situation facing Leicester, before their away game at Everton, who have also had a disappointing season in the Premier League.

So, it has been an eventful time for Leicester manager Nigel Pearson.

Earlier this month there was speculation that he had been sacked by the club and then reinstated, although the club then said those rumours were "inaccurate and without foundation".

Pearson has refused to discuss speculation about his job, but with the Foxes in danger of heading back to the Championship, a defeat again today will only increase speculation that his job is in danger.

Football's changing fortunes

Leicester City were sensational last year. Nigel Pearson's side won 31 of 46 games as they cruised to the Championship title, picking up 102 points as they did so - nine more than second-placed Burnley.

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Optimism was high that they could take that form into the highest level and thrive in the Premier League.

AFP

They faced a daunting task with games against Everton, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in their first five matches. But a 5-3 win in September over United, one that will always be remembered by the club's fans, left the side eight in the table.

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That seems a long, long time ago. Now they are bottom, five points behind any other team and Pearson is fighting for his job. Never mind a year, five months is an awfully long time in football.

Getty Images

Team news

Leighton Baines returns to Everton's starting line-up after three games out with a knee problem, replacing Bryan Oviedo at left-back, while Aaron Lennon is recalled on the wing, having missed Thursday's 4-1 Europa League over BSC Young Boys because he was cup-tied. Mo Besic comed into midfield as Gareth Barry is suspended.

Robert Huth is recalled at centre-back for Leicester, having been ineligible for last Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup fifth-round defeat at Aston Villa. He replaces Marcin Wasilewski, and is reunited in defence with former Stoke team-mate Matthew Upson. Andrej Kramaric once again plays as a lone striker.

Everton XI: Howard, Baines, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, McCarthy, Besic, Barkley, Naismith, Lennon, Lukaku.

Leicester XI: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Morgan (c), Upson, James, Huth, Schlupp, Simpson, Cambiasso, Mahrez, Kramaric.