Everton Match Preview
West Ham United have beaten opponents from Sky Bet League One to progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup but tonight, they face their toughest test of this season’s competition as they make the trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton in an all Premier League tie.
It would have been an occasion that Hammers’ boss David Moyes would have relished but unfortunately for him, the Scotsman won’t be in attendance as he continues to self isolate following his positive test for Coronavirus before the game against Hull City in the third round, leaving assistant Alan Irvine in charge.
Irvine was with Moyes, as they worked together at Everton during a successful eleven year spell between 2002 and 2013. The pair will certainly be hoping that they can celebrate tonight, unlike the last time they faced their former club back in December 2017, where they were on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline.
The Irons haven’t made it to this stage since 2018 after suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Sky Bet League One outfit Oxford United last season.
Hammers’ fans may remember however, when they did make it this far last time, they were knocked out at home by fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
After beating Sky Bet League Two outfit Salford City in round Two, Everton were well in control of their third round tie away at Sky Bet League One side Fleetwood Town a week ago and despite Joey Barton’s side getting back on level terms, the Toffees eventually made it through, winning the encounter 5-2.
Although both teams go into the game with momentum behind them, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be the fresher of the two, as they have had one extra day to prepare after winning away at Crystal Palace on Saturday. Having said that, the East Londoners will want to use this game as a platform to build on their impressive weekend victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Whilst the visitors could make changes from the last round, they are more likely to use some of their fringe players for this match.
Josh Cullen, along with the manager and defender Issa Diop, will miss this game, meaning there could be another start for Jack Wilshire, while Sébastien Haller will want to continue his current run of goalscoring form by starting again here.
Robert Snodgrass and Andriy Yarmolenko also scored in the win over the Tigers and will be in contention, while there could also be a place for Academy graduate Ben Johnson. Ryan Fredericks won’t be involved however, as he had to be substituted just four minutes into the second-half of Sunday’s game, as he suffered a hamstring injury and will be out until mid October.
Fans interested in watching this match will be able to do so via the Carabao Cup official website and purchasing a £10 match pass. Kick-off is at 7:45pm and the referee is Darren England.