Leicester could have Liverpool problem if they lose…

Leicester could have Liverpool problem if they lose relegation battle with Everton

Everton's Premier League relegation rivals Leicester City will reportedly press ahead with their tour of Southeast Asia if they are relegated to the Championship - even though a friendly against Liverpool would come just four days before their potential Championship opener

Earlier this week the Foxes announced they would face a Premier League double-header over the summer months with games against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in Bangkok and Singapore in preparation for the new campaign.

But after their 3-0 trouncing by the Reds at the King Power Stadium on Monday night, Leicester appear to be heading for a return to the Championship after nine years in the top flight.

However, with the Championship season poised to begin on Saturday, August 5, it means Leicester could be in action just days after their Standard Chartered Singapore Trophy encounter with Liverpool at Singapore's National Stadium on Sunday, 30 July.

And according to the Daily Mail, with Sky Sports set to air the Championship's first match of the season on Friday, August 4, the Foxes could, if they are relegated from the Premier League, be one of the sides selected for the TV slot due to their status in the English game and having won the FA Cup and Premier League since their promotion back to the top flight in 2014.

If that all transpires, it would mean their money-spinning jaunt to Asia could leave Leicester with just four days to return to the United Kingdom and prepare for their opening encounter.

However, if the Foxes are to retain their Premier League status, they would have longer to prepare for the new campaign with the Premier League not starting until the weekend of August 12.

As it stands, Leicester 19th in the table. Everton are 17th and know if they win their remaining games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth then they will be safe regardless of results elsewhere.

Speaking after Monday's defeat to Liverpool, Foxes boss Dean Smith said: “We got beat by a team who physically overran us when they got the two-goal lead, supreme athletes and really good players.

"I wouldn’t question our fight and attitude, but I understand the supporters. If you’re losing 3-0 at home in a relegation battle, they aren’t going to be happy. Of course, I still believe we can stay up.”

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