Verdict: Everton win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Seeking a response on Monday night, Everton will welcome a struggling West Ham to Merseyside.
Everton
Starting with the hosts, while Everton might have only continued to shine since David Moyes made his emotional return to the blue half of Merseyside back in January, the Toffees are seeking a much-welcomed boost here. Watching their EFL Cup adventure come to an abrupt end earlier in the week as they slumped to a 2-0 loss against Wolves, the former West Ham boss will be calling on an immediate response on Monday night. Despite failing to win any of their previous three appearances since returning from September’s international break, Everton should be smelling a golden opportunity when they return to home soil. It should also be highlighted, since officially moving into their new home last month, Moyes’ men have yet to ship a single strike in front of heir own supporters.
Everton Team News
Still dealing with a hamstring injury and yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Everton will once again be without England international Jarrad Branthwaite here. However, aside from their defensive talisman, Moyes’ men have reported a clean bill of health.
Both making an immediate impact since completing respective summer switches to Merseyside, the duo of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jack Grealish will make full returns here. Likewise, despite notching just a single Premier League strike so far this season, ex-Udinese striker Beto should spearhead Moyes’ attack.
West Ham
As for the visitors, while West Ham might have entered September’s international break with a shock 3-0 romp away at Nottingham Forest, it appears that was just a minor boost for the Hammers. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny this season, the pressure on Graham Potter’s shoulders is now firmly at a boiling point. Last seen falling to a 2-1 loss at home against Crystal Palace, it has been suggested that this could be Potter’s final game in charge. Marking their return from September’s fortnight interval with a nightmare 3-0 drumming against bitter rivals Tottenham, West Ham have lost five of their first six appearances across all competitions. Likewise, gaining a reputation for their glaring defensive struggles, the former Chelsea boss looks set for a stern examination on Monday night.
West Ham Team News
Shown a straight red card against Tottenham earlier in the month, Czech Republic international Tomas Soucek will once again miss out through suspension here. Still dealing with a reported stomach issue, West Ham are sweating over the fitness of former Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka on Monday night.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Crystal Palace last weekend and recording a second Premier League strike of the season, skipper Jarrod Bowen will shoulder most of West Ham’s attacking threat. Making a first top-flight start of the season last week, Alphonse Areola should keep his spot between the sticks.
Everton vs West Ham Key Factors to Consider
- When Everton and West Ham last met in Merseyside back on March 15th, Monday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate.
- West Ham have lost five of their first six appearances across all competitions.
- Everton have not conceded a single strike in their first three home fixtures across all competitions.
- The Hammers have shipped 13 goals in their first five Premier League appearances so far this season.
- Continuing on from last season, the Hammers have recorded just a pair of clean sheets away from the London Stadium since the start of February.
Conclusion
While Everton might have failed to put a victory on the board since returning from September’s international break, Moyes will be confident of getting one over on his former employers here. With some billing the Blues as a potential European dark horse this season, Monday’s hosts will meet a West Ham squad who find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. Yet to concede a goal in front of their own supporters since moving to their new home last month, we are backing Everton to claim a Premier League boost on home soil.
Verdict: Everton win
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
