Ronald Koeman’s Everton host Premier League champions Leicester at Goodison Park on Sunday (1.30pm kick-off) in a bid to resurrect their European challenge.

The Toffees lost 3-1 to Merseyside rivals Liverpool on Saturday and then managed a 1-1 draw against Manchester United to slip seven points adrift of the top four places with seven games of the season remaining.

However, they’ll be looking for home comforts against Craig Shakespeare’s men on Sunday, given that they have won ten of their 15 league games at Goodison Park, only suffering defeat once to Liverpool back in December.

Yet, the champions have been in resurgent form since Shakespeare replaced the sacked Claudio Ranieri back in February, winning all five of their Premier League matches, as well as the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Sevilla.

It means that they entered the weekend eight points clear of the bottom three, and knowing that victory at Goodison Park would all but secure their top-flight status for another season.

However, Koeman’s men will be confident themselves of returning to winning ways on Sunday, but he could make a few changes given the recent performances of his side.

Thus, here are THREE Everton stars who deserve a chance against Leicester…

Matthew Pennington

With Ashley Williams suspended following his red card against Manchester United in midweek, Koeman is slightly thin on the ground in terms of defensive options.

However, he may recall Matthew Pennington to the starting eleven against Leicester on Sunday given that the youngster was benched against United on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old started the Merseyside derby last weekend and did net in front of the Kop, but it was his defensive frailties that saw him restricted to a spot on the bench at Old Trafford.

However, Pennington is clearly rated by Koeman, so a return to the starting line-up against the Foxes is likely on Sunday.

Morgan Schneiderlin

Midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin missed a return to his former club on Tuesday night due to injury, but could well return against Leicester on Sunday.

And if he is fit to play, Koeman should put him straight back into the starting eleven.

The France international has made a solid start to life at Goodison Park following his big money move from United in January, starting seven Premier League games, and netting in their 3-0 win over West Brom last month.

Koeman has several midfield options to choose from, but there’s little doubt that Schneiderlin is one of his more talented central midfielders, and against a Leicester side confident and in-form, they may need his calming influence and control to thwart the Foxes on Sunday.

Enner Valencia

Kevin Mirallas’ outburst at being substituted against United on Tuesday could have repercussions for the Belgium international, in the sense that he may be dropped against Leicester.

And that could mean that Enner Valencia receives only his fourth Premier League start of the season on Sunday.

The Ecuador international joined the Toffees on a season-long loan deal from West Ham back in the summer, but has managed just 438 minutes of league action this term, as well as a few other cup appearances.

However, the 27-year-old has scored three goals and laid on one assist in that time, and given that three of those four contributions have come in his last 46 minutes of action, he is clearly in decent form.

And that may be enough to see him start at Goodison Park on Sunday.