As international friendlies and world cup qualifiers come to an end for all countries, the Premier League is back in action this weekend with every team battling for three points.
On Sunday 3rd April at 2pm, 7th place West Ham United host 17th place Everton at the London Stadium.
With The Hammers currently in 7th place, they need Leicester to do a job against Manchester United the day before, who are just two points in front of West Ham United.
West Ham are expected to win against The Blues which will place them back in 6th and it’ll give them another chance to battle for a Europa League spot for next season.
West Ham’s Mixed Form
West Ham sit seventh in the league but are looking to regain some momentum in their charge to finish in the top four, after losing two of their last four Premier League fixtures to Tottenham and Liverpool.
West Ham’s 3-1 loss at Spurs could be down to the fact they had not recovered from the Euphoria of knocking out Sevilla in extra time. Knocking out Sevilla is quite impressive if you consider the fact that before getting knocked out by West Ham they won 27 of their last 28 knockout ties in the Europa League.
Everton are coming into this game following a demoralising 4-0 loss against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. They were much better in their last Premier League fixture which was a 1-0 win at home to Newcastle.
West Ham Premier League form: L W L W L D
West Ham form (all competitions): L W W L L L
Everton Premier League form: W L L L L W
Everton form (all competitions): L W L L W L
Team News
West Ham defenders Vladimir Coufal and Angelo Ogbonna are each expected to be missing once again, although attacking midfielder Jarrod Bowen could return following a period on the side lines through injury.
Everton midfielder Allan was sent off in the match against Newcastle at Goodison Park and is therefore suspended. Injuries rule out Tom Davies, Yerry Mina and Andros Townsend.
Probable Starting Lineups
West Ham:
Fabianski; Johnson, Zouma, Dawson, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Benrahma, Fornals, Lanzini; Antonio
Unavailable: Coufal (injured), Ogbonna (injured) Questionable: Bowen (injured)
Everton:
Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey; Doucoure, Gomes; Iwobi, Gordon, Gray; Richarlison
Unavailable : Allan(suspended), Davies (Injured), Mina (Injured), Townsend (Injured) Questionable: Begovic (illness), Delph (Injured)
Intriguing Facts
West Ham United are looking to complete their first league double over Everton since the 1972-73 campaign.
The Toffees have won a club record 12 Premier League away matches at West Ham.
Each of the past three Premier League meetings have ended in a 1-0 victory for the away team.
Everton have lost just one of their last 13 Premier League away games against West Ham (W8, D4), a 3-1 defeat in May 2018.
Eagerly Anticipated Prediction
Ahead of the game on Sunday West Ham United fan Charlie Garret told me ‘I have no doubt in my mind that West Ham will lose, I expect them to showcase a great performance for us fans.’
My prediction is : West Ham 2-1 Everton
An unexpected Everton victory is not out of the realms of possibility because Everton still possess quality players. Everton are desperate for three points to keep themselves clear of the bottom three, whilst West Ham want three points to keep themselves in the race for the top six.
Vital Match Information
Teams : West Ham United vs Everton
Stadium : London Stadium
Competition : Premier League
Date : Sunday 3rd April, 2pm GMT
Channel : Sky Sports Main Event
Referee : Michael Oliver
