Everton boss Roberto Martinez says Leicester are genuine title contenders

Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists Leicester are genuine contenders for the Premier League title this season.

Martinez will test himself against Claudio Ranieri's side when Leicester visit Goodison Park on Saturday.

Leicester are two points clear at the top of the table after Monday's 2-1 victory over Chelsea and are 12 points clear of 10th-placed Everton.

And Martinez is adamant the Foxes are worthy of their position following an impressive first half of the campaign.

"Leicester deserve to be top of the league. I think Claudio Ranieri deserves all the credit for developing the belief in that team," Martinez said.

When asked if Leicester are realistic title challengers, Martinez had no doubts.

"Of course they are. I don't see why they shouldn't. It's not because they are top of the league, it's because they've been so competitive in every game," Martinez added.

"I've seen a real change. The first two or three fixtures, they were testing themselves and seeing how they could compete. Now it's different.

"The last few games, there's an incredible belief. They go out knowing they're going to win the football game, and I think when you develop that momentum, it can be very powerful.

"Of course in a competition of 10 months you're relying on (a lack of) suspensions, injuries, you have to be a bit fortunate, and Leicester is no different, but, where they are now, the way they are playing and the momentum that they achieved, they are capable of achieving anything this season."

Everton may be without midfielder James McCarthy for the game as he continues to recover from a hip problem, but defender John Stones has shown no ill effects from the knocks to his ankle and knee that he picked up in the draw against Norwich last weekend.