The busy Christmas and New Year period can often define a season in the Premier League and that appears to be the case for Everton.
The Toffees are in danger of slipping into the bottom half of the table as they welcome Leicester City to Goodison Park on New Years Day. With 27 points to their name, a defeat could see them drop as low as 13th place and Marco Silva has plenty of work to do to keep his team in the top half of the table.
Leicester City are also having to work for their place in the top half of the Premier League and need a win or draw to ensure they remain above their hosts.
Everton were hugely disappointed to come away from the match at Brighton and Hove Albion with a 1-0 defeat. Having beaten Burnley 5-1 away from home in their previous match, it appeared Everton could be on the up but they reverted back to their overall recent form with a defeat.
Trends show Everton have won just one of their last seven Premier League games and that win was the one over Burnley. The last minute defeat to rivals Liverpool appears to have had a major impact on their season and since then they have drawn at home against Newcastle United and Watford plus tasted defeat against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton.
Everton have failed to win any of their last three home Premier League matches and despite having scored in each of their last five, they have managed just a single clean sheet.
Leicester City suffered a shock 1-0 home loss at the hands of Cardiff City on Saturday. This was a huge blow to their progress up the Premier League table following the 1-0 wins at Chelsea and over Manchester City at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes missed a penalty and on the balance of play should have got something from the game but the failure to put the ball into the back of the net cost them dearly.
Trend show Leicester City have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six Premier League games. They have been very inconsistent and despite defeating two of the top teams in the league they have also lost to Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.
Away form shows one win in their last four league games.
Team news and Everton have no fresh injury or suspension concerns following the defeat at Brighton. Marco Silva may look to make changes in attack, with Richarlison dropping back into midfield.
Leicester City are waiting on central defenders Wes Brown and Jonny Evans who have both been suffering from illness. Claude Puel will hope at least one of them is fit to partner Harry Maguire in central defence.
This game should see plenty of goal mouth action and it would not be a surprise to see both teams scoring. However, with home advantage it could be Everton who come out on top.