West Ham United welcome Everton to the London Stadium in the first of a Super Sunday double-header.
Victory would see West Ham improve to fifth for at least a few hours, whereas Everton can move six points clear of the relegation zone with a win but stay 17th in the table.
Team News
Vladimir Coufal and Jarrod Bowen could be in contention to return for West Ham if they pass late fitness tests, following recoveries from respective hernia and heel injuries but won’t be risked until they are fully match-fit.
Angelo Ogbonna (knee) remains absent.
Everton will welcome Asmir Begovic and Donny van de Beek back after the pair recovered from viral illnesses during the international break.
Allan (suspension), Tom Davies, Fabian Delph (both thigh), Yerry Mina (quad) and Andros Townsend (knee) are ruled out.
Stat Attack
- West Ham have claimed seven points from their last four matches against Everton (W2, D1, L1)
- Everton are unbeaten in four of their last six visits to West Ham (W2, D3, L1).
- Each of the last three meetings between West Ham and Everton have finished in 1-0 results, with the Hammers’ two wins having come away from the London Stadium.
- West Ham are yet to score from a free kick in the Premier League this season.
- Michael Keane has made more headed clearances than any other Everton player in the Premier League this season, having produced 51 headed clearances in 25 league appearances.
Prediction
With the run-in now underway, West Ham now need to take full advantage of their upcoming three matches against bottom-half opposition starting now with Everton.
David Moyes’ Hammers though certainly can start with better defending after poor marking in defence proved costly in their loss at Tottenham last time out, amidst wasteful attacking as their defence were ruthlessly punished by Spurs’ counter-attack.
Everton meanwhile need a win to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone but following a horrific FA Cup exit at Crystal Palace a fortnight ago, Frank Lampard’s Toffees need a huge improvement in creativity and all-round ability to stand any chance here.
I however just can’t see that happening here if West Ham are back on form especially after the thrills of their last home outing, although Everton’s best bet will be playing on the counter-attack and hoping that they can frustrate West Ham into mistakes.
Prediction: West Ham 2-0 Everton
Result: West Ham 2-1 Everton