Everton will be looking to put a dent in West Ham United’s Champions League charge in the Premier League on Sunday and reignite their own European hopes in the process.
The Toffees missed a massive chance to push themselves back into the battle for the top-four spots last weekend when they turned in a miserable home performance against Aston Villa, losing 2-1.
Now the prospect of any European qualification appears to be dwindling, as they sit in eighth spot going into this weekend’s round of matches.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have performed to a much higher standard away from home this term though, with only Manchester City registering more away wins in the Premier League this season. Last time out on the road they earned a 1-0 win over Arsenal, although there was a degree of fortune about the result due to Bernd Leno’s comical own goal.
There was mixed news for Everton in terms of injuries ahead of the game. Abdoulaye Doucoure has returned from his layoff quicker than anticipated and appears set to play a role on Sunday, although James Rodriguez has not recovered from the calf problem that saw him sidelined against Villa last week.
💪 | Abdoulaye Doucouré is AVAILABLE for Sunday's game!
James Rodriguez misses out but will resume training at the start of next week.
Watch live: https://t.co/XC21kctoDI #WHUEVE pic.twitter.com/y7xJDsvwIR
— Everton (@Everton) May 7, 2021
Nevertheless, Everton will be up against a hungry West Ham team, for whom a top-four finish is still on the cards. Leicester City’s shock loss to Newcastle United on Friday night has blown the race for third and fourth wide open once again, meaning David Moyes’ team will be on the charge from the off on Sunday.
Predicted Everton XI (4-1-2-1-2): Pickford; Coleman, Godfrey, Mina, Digne; Allan; Doucoure, Gomes; Sigurdsson; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin
Key Man – Abdoulaye Doucoure
Back in full training 💪 pic.twitter.com/P6CuPL6Y8U
— Everton (@Everton) May 7, 2021
Although Everton have had problems in midfield throughout the entirety of the campaign, they’ve been exacerbated in recent weeks when Doucoure has been absent.
The former Watford man picked up his injury at the start of March and in the eight games without him the Toffees have won just one. Whatever combination Ancelotti has used in midfield of Allan, Tom Davies, Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph, they’ve not been able to fill the void left by Doucoure’s absence.
Having the 28-year-old back will be a huge boost for Everton, as his mobility and presence have been sorely missed; both attributes will be vital against a strong West Ham midfield too.
With Everton’s season losing momentum and just five games remaining, don’t be surprised to see Ancelotti thrust Doucoure straight back into the action, even if he is short of full fitness.