It seems so long ago that Everton were riding high near the top of the Premier League standings en route to a fifth-place finish last season. But as they’ve suffered through what has been a disappointing campaign thus far, West Ham have taken their place as this year’s surprise package and currently find themselves up in fourth position.
Can the Hammers keep their spot among the elite or will the Toffees slow them down at Goodison? Find out with our preview of this big game below.
Get ready for another exciting weekend of Premier League soccer action by checking out our Weekly EPL Picks column.
[sc:Soccer ]Everton vs. West Ham Betting Preview
Where: Goodison Park, Liverpool
When: Saturday, November 22, 10:00 AM ET
Line: West Ham +350 at Everton -152, tie +250; total 3.0 – view all EPL Lines
Betting on Everton
After allowing a distressing 16 goals in their first nine games of the season, Everton have since righted the ship at the back, conceding just twice in their last four games. Their last two home games have also seen them keep clean sheets in a 3-0 win against Aston Villa and a goalless draw against Swansea.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]However, that new-found solidity at the back will be greatly compromised as the Toffees could potentially be without leftback Leighton Baines and their midfield pairing of Gareth Barry and James McCarthy due to injury. Baines was hurt in training with the England national team, while Barry and McCarthy suffered their injuries in their most recent 1-1 draw away at Sunderland.
Baines’ possible absence would also have a very big effect on Everton going forward in terms of his ability to deliver excellent crosses and set pieces, including corner kicks and penalties. Baines has scored three goals with nine assists in 15 games in all competitions this season.
Baines’ penalty against Sunderland is the only goal Everton have scored in their past two games. Star striker Romelu Lukaku, their co-leading scorer with four goals, has been inconsistent all season, but veteran Samuel Eto’o has offered decent offensive punch just behind him.
This Everton team has more than a few goals in it. Only the top-3 teams in the league have scored more than Everton’s 20 goals this season.
Everton are undefeated at home against West Ham since 2005. The Toffees have won four and drawn three in those seven home games.
Betting on West Ham United
While October saw a clean sweep in wins for West Ham – three out of three, including their huge 2-1 home win against champions Manchester City – November has seen the Hammers fall back down to earth with consecutive draws away at Stoke City (2-2) and at home against Aston Villa (0-0).
Nevertheless, West Ham still find themselves in a very favorable position up in fourth-place thanks to their five-game unbeaten run.
West Ham’s attack was held goalless by Villa, the first time that’s happened since the opening game of the season. But the Hammers have been one of the best offenses in the league, especially away from home. 11 of the 19 goals they’ve scored this season have come away from Upton Park, the third-most away goals behind only Chelsea (who have played one more away game) and Manchester City.
The strike partnership of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia has been a handful for defenses all season and has scored nine goals between them. Their pace and athleticism could give the Everton duo of Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin – a central defensive partnership not known for its speed – a lot of problems.
One of the big revelations of the season for West Ham has been the rebirth of Stewart Downing as a central playmaker, where Downing has assisted on four goals already this season. Downing should find some extra space to operate if Barry and McCarthy miss out.
Writer’s Prediction
West Ham (+350) exploit Everton’s absentees and escape with a 1-0 away win. Create a betting account now and win big with huge upsets in this week’s Premier League schedule.
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