SHARE

Many have touted us as the new Everton of the Premier League in recent weeks as we show some real potential of battling for a Europa League spot this season.

Even Toffees boss Roberto Martinez insists we are real contenders for a top six finish, which isn’t something we’re used to hearing many people within the game say these days.

The season so far has been something of a whirlwind and not a single Hammers fan can say they thought we’d be fourth in the Premier League by the middle of November. But we are and we have a big chance to continue a run of five games unbeaten.

If we’re going to establish ourselves as real top-six challengers then it’s games like today where we need to be getting results. A draw would be a decent point given our record at Goodison Park, but injuries to Stewart Downing, Diafra Sakho, Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate will make it an extremely difficult game.

But as mentioned before, we’re a different side this year. We’ve got strength in depth, we’ve proven we can beat anyone on their day by seeing off Liverpool and Man City, and we’ve finally got ourselves an attacking threat that opponents are openly wary of.

Andy Carroll’s return is huge for us given Sakho’s injury, while Downing’s absence may not be too bad if Amalfitano and Valencia can step up and fit that void.

Everton also have several injury problems and haven’t enjoyed the best of starts to their season, so they’re definitely there for the taking this afternoon.

Prediction: Well earned point.

Team News

Everton (10th, 14 points)

Captain Leighton Baines is doubtful with a hamstring injury, as is Gareth Barry who is struggling with an ankle problem.

James McCarthy, Seamus Coleman, Darron Gibson, Steven Pienaar and Kevin Mirallas all face late fitness tests.

West Ham United (4th, 18 points)

Diafra Sakho (back) and Stewart Downing (knee) will have late fitness tests after picking up injuries during the international break.

Andy Carroll is expected to make his first start for West Ham since returning from an ankle injury.

Possible Starting XI

Last 10 Meetings

DateCompetitionVenueResult
1 Mar 2014Premier LeagueGoodison ParkL 1-0
21 Sep 2013Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundL 2-3
12 May 2013Premier LeagueGoodison ParkL 2-0
22 Dec 2012Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundL 2-1
22 Jan 2011Premier LeagueGoodison ParkD 2-2
28 Dec 2010Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundD 1-1
4 Apr 2010Premier LeagueGoodison ParkD 2-2
8 Nov 2009Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundL 2-1
16 May 2009Premier LeagueGoodison ParkL 3-1
8 Nov 2008Premier LeagueBoleyn GroundL 3-1

Match Statistics

13 – Everton are unbeaten in their last 13 games against West Ham in all compettions

4 – There have four red cards in the last five Premier League meetings between these sides

2 – Everton have conceded just two goals in their last four league games

11 – But Martinez’s side have leaked 11 goals at home, which is the worst record in the top-flight this season

8 – West Ham have scored eight headed goals so far this season

18 – The Hammers’ 18 points from 11 games this season equals the club’s best ever start to a Premier League campaign

5 – Allardyce’s side have scored in all five of their away games in the Premier League this season, netting more on the road (11) than at home (eight)

Fan Predictions

Betting Offer

Fancy West Ham to get all three points at Everton today? Well make sure you back the Hammers to win at a huge 7/1 with Winner.com. Click on the image below to claim.

West Ham to beat Everton - 7/1

 

Head-to-Head (all competitions)

PlayedWonDrawnLostForAgainstGD +/-Win %
140403070163239-7628.57%