Leicester City will play their first Premier League match in 10 years on Saturday when they host Everton in their season opener at the King Power Stadium.
The Foxes completed a decade-long journey back to the top flight, which included a season in the third tier, by winning the Championship last term.
In Leicester's absence, the Toffees have consistently been knocking on the door of the elite and came within seven points of Champions League qualification in Roberto Martinez's first season.
The £28m club-record capture of Romelu Lukaku and the tying down of exciting English talents such as Ross Barkley and John Stones to long-term contracts displays Everton's intent to launch another assault on the top four.
Lukaku followed Gareth Barry in making his loan switch to Goodison Park permanent, while Croatian midfielder Muhamed Besic and Chelsea winger Christian Atsu have also arrived to increase competition for places.
This squad depth is illustrated in wide areas, where Aiden McGeady and Steven Pienaar could start this weekend as Kevin Mirallas is given extra time to recover from his World Cup excursions.
His Belgian compatriot Lukaku may not be afforded the same luxury due to Arouna Kone's injury and the failure as yet to re-sign Lacina Traore on loan.
Stones may be preferred to veteran centre-back Sylvain Distin, should Martinez decide that the time is right to groom a new defensive partnership, and Seamus Coleman should shake off a knock to play alongside him.
Leicester too have spent big money on a forward who they hope will fire them to their objectives this campaign, which manager Nigel Pearson concedes must be primarily to avoid the drop.
They parted with £8m to sign Leonardo Ulloa from Brighton & Hove Albion, and Pearson will be hoping that he and prolific Championship scorer David Nugent will be able to step up to the next level.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is set for a second shot at the Premier League, nearly six years after his last appearance for Manchester City.
Richie de Laet, Paul Konckesky and Mark Albrighton bring valuable top-flight experience to the Foxes, as will former England defender Matthew Upson when he returns from injury.
Leicester lost their last Premier League match to Arsenal's Invincibles in May 2004, and have not beaten Everton since 1998.
Possible starting lineups
Leicester: Schmeichel; De Laet, Moore, Morgan, Konchesky; Albrighton, James, Drinkwater, Mahrez; Ulloa, Nugent
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; McGeady, Barkley, Pienaar; Lukaku
Sports Mole says: 0-1
Joe Fish
