Everton Match Preview

2024 is finally up and running for West Ham United following their 4-2 home win over Brentford on Monday night. Now, the aim is to back that result up with another success, as they are on the road at Goodison Park to face Everton this afternoon.

Before the victory over the Bees five days ago, the Hammers were in the same situation as today’s hosts, with the Toffees still waiting for their first win of the New Year having not tasted success since the 2-0 triumph at newly-promoted Burnley on December 16. The Irons won’t want a repeat of the result that they suffered at Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago and will aim to get revenge for the 1-0 loss back on 29 October.

A little over a month after Sean Dyche’s side took all three points from Stratford, Everton were deducted ten points for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules but their appeal was heard last Monday and the result of that turned out to be successful, as their punishment has been reduced to six points. That being said, the Hammers will attempt to inflict more pain on their opponents and grab themselves a sixth away win of the season in the process.

Whilst Everton picked up a well deserved point against Brighton and Hove Albion a week ago, the East Londoners will also be full of confidence here and hope to win on Merseyside this season, after two unsuccessful trips to the red half of the city. If they do achieve the desired result, it will be their first away triumph since the 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur back on December 7.

One factor that may swing in favour of the hosts here is the fact that they have had a full week to prepare, in contrast to the Hammers, who have only had five days.

The visitors will be keen to win here as it will set them up well for the resumption of their UEFA Europa League campaign and a return to Germany for a reunion with SC Freiburg on Thursday night.

Michail Antonio started on the bench against Thomas Frank’s side last time out but is hoping to regain his place here, while David Moyes must decide whether to restore Nayef Aguerd to the starting line-up.

Kalvin Phillips is available again after serving a suspension and will be hoping for another start.

After scoring his first career hat-trick against Brentford five days ago, Jarrod Bowen will be hoping to retain his place, while Alphonse Areola is expected to start in goal after celebrating his 30th birthday on Tuesday.

Lucas Paquetá made his return from injury against the Bees and he is likely to retain his place.

The match is a 3pm kick-off and the referee is Craig Pawson.