Everton welcome West Ham at Goodison Park
Everton resume their Premier League campaign against West Ham United after a dull and what felt like the longest international break. The Toffees sit sixth in the table but could go in top four if they manage to secure all three points against the Hammers.
Rafa Benitez will breathe a sigh of relief as Seamus Coleman, Alex Iwobi and Lucas Digne are fit and likely to feature in the game. However, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are still training and recovering but not yet ready to feature in games. Meanwhile, Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes have also been ruled out for the West Ham clash.
The Hammers sit 10th with 11 points but it’s better to not be fooled by their mid table status right now. Former Everton manager, David Moyes now rides the horses at West Ham and they look far better than what their current positions suggest.
With Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma, Jarrad Bowen and Pablo Fornals in the attack, Moyes’ side have registered fourth highest shot tally with 113 shots only behind Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United. West Ham have the fourth best xG in the league, behind Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.
They are an attack heavy side which is further justified by the amount of passes and movement in the opposition final third. West Ham have fifth highest completed passes in the 18 yard goal area with 63 passes meanwhile the third highest crossing rate in the 18 yard area with 19 completed crosses. The London side accounts for 24.29 shot creating actions per 90 minutes, fourth highest, only behind Liverpool and the two Manchester powerhouses.
Everton will have a tricky assignment on their hands as the defence will have to be at it’s absolute best to prevent West Ham from making giant strides in the final third. Thankfully, the Toffees do have the right tools in the armory to neutralize West Ham.
Here’s the Everton predicted lineup vs West Ham United:
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Jordan Pickford played a solitary game on international duty with England against Hungary where he conceded one goal as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The England No.1 keeper five goals in six Premier League games which has allowed Everton to remain joint fifth in the least goals conceded. Pickford will have a busy game as he faces the likes of Benrahma and Antonio.