A trip to Merseyside awaits the West Ham travelling faithful. An away trip to either side in the area is usually unrewarding for the away team. However, rather Everton than Liverpool.
Everton are sitting comfortably in mid-table (7th) after 26 matches, and have a game in hand over Manchester United who sit one place above The Toffees on goal difference. Everton are coming into this match after back-to-back defeats to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with both games ending 1-0.
Despite the difference in points between the two sides. In terms of the form table – the tables are quite literally turned. West Ham have picked up 13 points from a possible 18 in their last 6 Premier League matches. Conversely, Everton have picked up just 7 points in their last 6 Premier League appearances. West Ham have scored double (10) the amount of Everton (5) in this time. Furthermore, the Hammers have also conceded half (4) the amount of Everton (8). This would suggest that West Ham should very much be the favourites for this clash.
A fifth straight victory is the prize awaiting West Ham if the run continues. A third straight defeat is staring Everton in the face if their negative run continues. A good reason for both teams to win. The Hammers are by no means safe from relegation but this fantastic run is doing great things for the safety of the club.
Team News
Both sides are likely to welcome back their target men for Saturday’s clash. Everton’s Romelu Lukaku has returned to full training after an ankle injury. Andy Carroll is back from suspension and will certainly be at full fitness. Carlton Cole scored last time out versus Southampton but is unlikely to hold on to a place which is Carroll’s when fit and unsuspended.
Ricardo Vaz Te is back into full training for West Ham also and is in contention for a spot on the substitutes bench. Joey O’Brien remains out with a dislocated shoulder. Everton’s injury list resembles West Ham’s earlier on in the season. Oviedo, Gibson, Jagielka, Traore, Kone, and Alcaraz are all out of the Premier League match.
With Jagielka missing out through injury, there is a chance that a Everton youth player, such as John Stones could play against Andy Carroll, perhaps a place to target for West Ham.
Prediction
Everton has lost just one home game in their last 21 matches at home in the Premier League and haven’t lost to West Ham in the last 12 meetings between the sides in all competitions. Certainly not facts which bode well for the Hammers. However, this is the strongest run of results West Ham have produced in a long time, and Everton’s injury list is rather impressive. The return of Romelu Lukaku is very positive news for Everton and West Ham’s top defence will have to be on the top of their game to keep him quiet. West Ham may upset the odds again on Saturday, but a draw would still be a good result and stretch the unbeaten run to 6.
Everton 1-1 West Ham
