Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham United are slowly slipping down the points table, having picked up just a point from their last two league games. But they have a decent chance to get back to winning ways this weekend, when they travel to Goodison Park, to face an Everton side that is in real trouble.
Marco Silva’s men have lost each of their last four league games, and find themselves in the drop zone early this season. The Hammers have also beaten The Toffees in two of the last three meetings between the two sides but playing away from home, they need to be at their best to take anything from this game.
PREDICTED WEST HAM LINEUP vs EVERTON (4-1-4-1)
Team News
The Hammers are still without Michail Antonio, Lukasz Fabianski and Xandre Silva, all of who are nursing long term injuries. Winston Reid is back in training but lacks match fitness ahead of this game.
Defence
Roberto Jimenez deputized for Fabianski in their last game against Crystal Palace. He needs to put in a better shift against Everton this weekend.
Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna seem to be Pellegrini’s preferred centre-back partnership in the West Ham lineup. The duo will be up against Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison and need to keep them from testing Roberto in goal.
Ryan Fredericks had a tough night against the Eagles but has been solid at the back for West Ham this season. He will keep his place in the side at right-back while Aaron Cresswell might also retain his place at left-back ahead of Arthur Masuaku, who is expected to be fit for this game.
Midfield
Declan Rice has added some mettle to a somewhat flaky West Ham midfield. He has put in consistent performances and deserves to start this game in the holding midfield role.
Mark Noble and his energy are also crucial for West Ham in this tie. He will start in a box-to-box role alongside Pablo Fornals who could replace Manuel Lanzini in the West Ham lineup and add some creativity to the midfield.
Felipe Anderson has shown glimpses of his talent this season but needs to start making an impact in front of goal. He will keep his place on the left-wing while Andriy Yarmolenko will start on the right flank.
Attack
Sebastien Haller has settled well into life in London. He scored West Ham’s only goal against Palace and will look to get the better of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane at Goodison Park this weekend.
West Ham lineup:
