Leicester City and Everton
Leicester City's Christopher Wood (R) fights for the ball against Everton's John Stones (C) during a friendly soccer match.Reuters

Leicester City return to the English Premier League with the tricky start at home against Everton on Saturday.

Manager Nigel Pearson is confident about his squad and the foxes are likely to be competitive in the league.

For the first time since 2004, Pearson led Leicester City to the championship title last season. The foxes drifted as low as League one in 2008, but Pearson helped his side overcome the hurdles.

The 50-year-old returned to the King Power Stadium in November 2011 after a brief phase at Hull City and sealed his name in Leicester's history by taking the club into the Premier League again.

Pearson has signed striker Leonardo Ulloa to his squad in a big-money deal ahead of the new season, while winger Marc Albrighton and goalkeeper Ben Hamer have also been brought in.

"Last season was a great success, but it is in the past," Pearson said. "I'm very proud, but it's about moving on and being a success in the Premier League.

"Our biggest strength is our group ethic. Alone, that's not enough, but we have a lot of quality in our side too."

Leicester sealed six wins and a draw during preseason, to set a nice tone for the new Premier League season.

Captain Wes Morgan, whose leadership played a key role in last year's title triumph is the one to watch in this season as well.

"Obviously our home form is going to be key this season," said Morgan. "I think if we can get some good results in our home games then whatever happens away is a bonus, so we've got to focus on our own performance with all the right things and I'm sure we'll be fine."

Everton, though, haven't had the best preseason, with Roberto Martinez's side losing three and drawing two.

Fan, however,  will be keen to see Romelu Lukaku, who transferred from Chelsea for a club-record fee of £28 million. Lukaku is the key hope for Everton as they try to finish in the top four.

Martinez has also signed Gareth Barry and Muhamed Besic to strengthen the squad.

"I have been very, very happy with the signings we have made," said Martinez. "We have brought the right characters to the squad. We have a real good mixture between experienced footballers and characters and talented young players."

Team News: Leicester City: Matthew Upson, is sidelined with a foot injury, while Anthony Knockaert (ankle) is also ruled out. Striker Jamie Vardy (thigh) is doubtful, but Albrighton (groin) will hope to make it.

Everton: It remains to be seen if Roberto Martinez sees Romelu Lukaka and Kevin Mirallas fit enough to start the games as they re-joined training late because of their involvement in the FIFA World Cup.

Bryan Oviedo (leg) and Arouna Kone (knee) are still recovering from long-term injuries. While, Seamus Coleman is close to returning from a hamstring injury.

Expected lineups: Leicester City: Schmeichel, Wasilewski, Morgan, De Laet, Konchesky, Drinkwater, James, Mahrez, King, Knockaert, Ulloa.

Everton: Howard, Jagielka, Distin, Stones, Baines, McCarthy, Barry, Pienaar, Barkley, Mirallas, Lukaku.

Where to Watch Live:

The match is set to start at 3 pm BST (10 am ET, 7.30 pm IST). The match can be watched via live streaming online in India HERE. Catch the action in the US on NBC Sports, while the game can also be live streamed online HERE. Australia viewers can live stream the action HERE, while viewers in Canada can do the same HERE. Viewers in the Middle East and North Africa can watch the match via live streaming HERE, while South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa viewers can do the same HERE.