Everton take on bottom of the table West Ham today as the blues look to build on a respectable draw in the merseyside derby last time out. A win for the Hammers today would actually see them out of the relegation zone and up to as high as 15th should results go their way. Everton on the other hand would be knocking on the door of the top ten but distancing themselves from what looks like a proper relegation scrap in the making is going to be top priority for Moyes and his boys. With the kopites playing wolves in the early kick off Everton will have to pick up the whole haul of points if bragging rights are to be maintained.
Vital Quotes: Baines
“It is a shame Steven has left the Club because he has been a big player for us and all the lads liked him.
“But that is football – players leave and clubs move on. It doesn`t matter who the player is, you have seen it with clubs like Manchester United losing people like Ronaldo, but the club is most important and will always move on. Hopefully someone here will step in and use this as their chance.
“Yes I enjoyed a good relationship with Steven but it is not like I will now be playing with someone I don`t know,” he added. “We have a few options there. Victor has played well there and did well in that position in the second half against Liverpool while I have felt comfortable playing with Bily (Diniyar Bilyaletdinov) when he has been involved recently. I am sure he will look at this as a chance to come in and play regularly.”
Everton Team News:
Saha and Jagielka will be subject to late fitness tests.
Personally I would rather Jags took his time getting back into the first team as Jonny has been doing a solid job and personally I cant see any reason for dropping the Holland international.
As we all know Timmy is away with Oz but seems to have picked up a knock whilst he is out there so fingers crossed its nothing serious.
POSSIBLE XI Howard, Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Fellaini, Arteta, Osman, Anichebe, Beckford
Player to watch: Baines
Will be interesting to see how effective our left hand side will be in the post pienaar era and see if we can see the start of a good partnership with Osman,Billy or whoever slots into that left hand side of midfield.
West Ham Team News:
West Ham will welcome back star player Scott Parker after suffering with an ankle injury.
Victor Obinna is suspended whilst Ilunga is doubtful with a hamstring injury.
Former Everton player Lars Jacobssen will miss out today with a heel injury.
Collinson,Kurucz,Da Costa,Dyer,Hitzlsperger and Stanislas are all out as West Hams’ injury woes pile up.
POSSIBLE XI Green, Faubert, Upson, Tomkins, Bridge, Spector, Parker, Noble, Boa Morte, Hines, Cole.
Player to watch: Parker
By far and away the best player that Avram Grant has at his disposal and it is a major boost to West Ham’s chances today that he has returned from injury. His energy and determination have pulled West Ham through close scraps before as he carries the team forward. Everton will do well to surpress his influence if they would like an easier afternoon.
Match Facts & Stats
Everton have won over half (16) of 31 Premier League matches against West Ham, more victories than they have enjoyed against any other opponents
West Ham have won just two of their 15 Premier League meetings at Goodison Park and have scored only 10 goals in those games
The Toffees are unbeaten in their last seven league matches against the Hammers. Their only defeat in the last 10 was a 1-0 loss at Upton Park in April 2007
David Moyes’s side have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 league matches
West Ham have kept just two clean sheets in their last 17 league games
The Hammers have conceded 10 headed goals this season, more than any other team
West Ham are the only team in the top flight that have not conceded a goal from a shot from outside the penalty area.
Louis Saha has scored five goals in four Premier League appearances for Everton against West Ham
Ref Watch:
Peter Walton. We can live in hope he has a decent game soon.
Match Prediction:
Given where the two teams are in the league this could be the making or breaking of both sides season. On paper you would say there was only one winner today. Everton. But as we all know from watching Everton this season if games were played on paper we would be top four material. I am cautiously optimistic about todays game I will go with a 2-0 win to the toffees but have a terribly sinking feeling that the Hammers may surprise us.