Big Match Breakdown: Everton v West Ham United
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Under-performing clubs face-off tonight
David Moyes returns to his old stomping ground this evening as West Ham United travel to take on Everton at Goodison Park.
The new Hammers boss is without a win since taking the post at the London Stadium almost two weeks ago.
However, he’ll fancy his chances tonight up against a Toffees side that have lost eight of their last 11 matches.
Here, the Coral News Team bring you all of the vital info ahead of the big match.
Head-to-head
Everton have only lost twice against West Ham since 2007. That run includes 12 victories and seven draws.
The visitors’ record at Goodison Park is even worse. Including a miraculous 3-2 comeback win in 2016, the Irons have only won three times on this part of Merseyside since 1983.
Last season Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley were on the scoresheet as Ronald Koeman’s side disposed of the Hammers 2-0 at Goodison.
The pair drew 0-0 at the London Stadium in a game which saw Slaven Bilic’s men keep their first clean sheet against the Toffees since 2007.
Likely XIs
Moyes could swap in Andre Ayew for Marko Arnautovic after the Austrian international was forced off against Leicester City with a calf injury. Impressive youngster Declan Rice could be a surprise inclusion after Pedro Obiang’s poor showing against the Foxes.
Andy Carroll is expected to remain up-front as the Hammers continue to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The hosts will make changes at the back with Ashley Williams and Cuco Martina expected to return. Wayne Rooney should also come back in, while Tom Davies is back after a one-match ban. Eight players are on the injury list for the Blues, who will also have to do without Oumar Niasse through suspension.
Key battles
West Ham were much improved in the second half against Leicester on Friday night. If they play like that here – on the front foot and by exploiting Everton’s poor defence – they could get some joy. The quality of the crosses from either flank will be key if Carroll is to be utilised to full effect up-front.
On the flip side, the Hammers’ own defence does not look particularly strong either. The East Londoners were frequently opened up by the Foxes last week. Gylfi Sigurdsson, who looked good against Southampton on Sunday, will hold the key for the Toffees.
With Moyes by far the more tactically savvy of the two managers, the Coral News Team think the Scotsman could have the upper-hand on David Unsworth
Match odds
The hosts are rated as a 13/10 chance to continue their head-to-head form against the visitors. You can get West Ham at 11/5, with the draw available at an enticing 23/10.
With both teams leaky at the back – they’ve conceded 54 goals between them in the league – Both Teams to Score looks nailed on at 3/4. That could also make it worth going for Over 2.5 Goals, which is priced handily at even-money.
Goals are expected. And that means there’s going to need to be goalscorers. For the hosts, the Coral News Team reckon that Rooney is a good shout to get on the scoresheet. The 32-year-old has bagged 12 goals against the Hammers in his career and is 5/1 to open the scoring this time around. You can get him at 19/10 to net anytime.
West Ham will be relying on Carroll. The towering front-man is 11/5 to score anytime, with creative key Lanzini a 3/1 shot.
Remember, you can also take advantage of the #YourCall market. Arnautovic to be carded, Leighton Baines to make 1+ assists and Rooney to score comes in at 68/1.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
