Everton are set to host West Ham United, with both sets of managers looking for a big result to kick-start the final part of their season.
It has been a productive week for Everton, boosted by the news of reducing their docked points ahead of their game against West Ham United. Upon appealing their ten-point deduction earlier in the season, the panel reduced the punishment to six points, which has given the Toffees an instant life in the standings at the foot of the table.
While the latest update might serve as a boost of sorts, there are plenty of nerves around Goodison Park, for there is another impending charge to be levied on the club. Hence, while fans can breathe a sigh of relief for now, they can be treated to another unpleasant surprise should the Premier League impose further sanctions on the club.
Sean Dyche will have been happy about the verdict, although he would not want his players to rest their laurels on the outcome. The Everton boss would instead demand absolute commitment from his players and get crucial points on board, starting with the West Ham game.
The Hammers have had a dreadful start to the calendar year, having yet to win a football game. David Moyes had come under increasing pressure to deliver results, and he did that in emphatic style last weekend at the expense of Brentford.
In a pulsating game, Jarrod Bowen stole the show with a stunning hat-trick to boost West Ham’s confidence heading into the most crucial part of their campaign. Moyes still harbours hope of a European finish and will want his players to build on that victory over their London rivals.
However, the Everton game will come as a big test of character for the Hammers. Moyes’s side are currently eight in the standings, level on points with Brighton, and the manager would want a Europa League finish to cap off what would be deemed a successful season. Hence, the Londoners must get a result away from home to a rejuvenated Everton side at Goodison Park.
Team News & Tactics
Everton
Sean Dyche might feel he has a good enough starting lineup to face West Ham United, but Everton still need some critical stars from their squad. Last weekend, Idrissa Gueye pulled up with a groin problem and might stay out of the game at the weekend.
He now joins Andre Gomes, Arnaut Danjuma, and Dele Alli, while Lewis Dobbin is also doubtful. As for Gueye, he still stands a chance to be involved should he pass his late fitness test, although Dyche will prefer Amadou Onana in his place and give the Belgian a thorough run out in the team.
The recent return of Abdoulaye Doucoure has also given Dyche a good option, as he might play him in an advanced role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin. That move could see James Garner move back into midfield to play alongside Onana in a robust setup.
Further back, Dyche seems has a healthy defensive setup, with Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski pencilled into marshall the central defensive ranks. Ben Godfrey might continue in a right-back role, while Vitaliy Mykolenko will complete the backline.
Probable Lineup (4-4-1-1): Pickford; Godfrey, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Onana, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin
West Ham United
David Moyes may come to Merseyside with a fully fit squad, and Kalvin Phillips may return. The on-loan Manchester City midfielder has served his one-match suspension, which could see him find a place on the Hammers bench.
Moyes might be tempted to start Phillips, although Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez have yet to give him a reason to change. Meanwhile, Dinos Mavropanos might begin in the heart of the West Ham defence alongside Kurt Zouma after the Greek impressed in the last game against Brentford.
Vladimir Coufal seems like Moyes’s best bet at right-back, while Emerson Palmieri’s goalscoring performance against Brentford guarantees him a start at left-back.
James Ward-Prowse will continue to play in that advanced midfield role ahead of Soucek and Alvarez, as he will want to bring his threat from set piece into account against a stubborn Everton side. Mohammed Kudus and the recently returned Lucas Paqueta will complete the attack, as hat-trick hero Bowen will continue to lead the line for the Hammers.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Bowen
Key Stats
- Everton have drawn five of their last six matches in the Premier League.
- Everton are winless in their last nine games in the Premier League.
- Everton have not done the double over West Ham since the 2014/15 season.
- West Ham secured their first victory of 2024 against Brentford last weekend.
- West Ham are winless in their last four away games, failing to score in three of those.
Player to Watch
Jarrod Bowen
Bowen made a bold statement against Brentford with a sensational hat-trick to calm the nerves at the London Stadium and help West Ham secure their first win of 2024. Moyes will want his star attacker to kick-start a good run from here on, which will immensely help the side in their quest for European football.
Considering how tight the Toffees sit at the back, the game against Everton is particularly enticing for someone of Bowen’s character. Hence, this is a good chance for the attacker to prove his worth and show that he can perform consistently, which will help in a big way when securing a place in the England setup.
Prediction
Everton 1-1 West Ham United
Everton are not in a good run of form heading into this encounter, although they might attribute the shift in mood as a significant factor. The reduction of their punishment will certainly boost Dyche’s side, although there are doubts whether that is enough to get three points against the Hammers.
The Hammers might feel confident heading to Merseyside, although they might face the threat of a stubborn Everton defence. Hence, despite having the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta, West Ham could fall back into old habits and fail to break down this Toffees setup, which may result in a productive 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
