PREVIEW | Everton vs West Ham United

The Blues are back in action for the first time in two weeks tomorrow with the visit of West Ham United to Goodison Park. Both sides are looking to return to winning ways this weekend. Last time out, Everton got a deserved draw away to Manchester United, whilst West Ham were beaten by an impressive Brentford side.

Last seasons fixture ended in a 1-0 defeat for the Toffees, with former manager David Moyes earning his first win over his former club. Tomorrow’s fixture is sure to be competitive, with both sides having made good starts to the season.

As mentioned, Everton drew 1-1 with Manchester United, continuing an impressive start to the season. Four wins, two draws and one defeat mark a fantastic start to the campaign for Rafa Benitez’s side.

The Merseysiders sit fifth in the table, level on points with both Manchester clubs and Brighton, and could go top of the table if results fall their way.

The Hammers on the other hand, sit ninth in the league with three wins, two draws and two defeats from their opening seven games. Their last game was a defeat to Brentford, conceding in the 94th minute.

However, they have made a respectable start to the season, whilst looking very strong in Europe, sitting top of their Europa League group.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison are still both unavailable for the Blues, with André Gomes also out with a calf injury. However, Benitez has said that both Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne are available for tomorrow’s clash.

Alex Iwobi and Yerry Mina should hopefully be available, but it remains to be seen if Mina will start or not, after playing in Colombia’s CONEMBOL clash against Ecuador on Thursday.

With the absence of both Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, Salomón Rondón will more than likely lead the line again for the Benitez’s side. Lewis Dobbin could again make an appearance, whilst Anthony Gordon will be hoping to keep his place after an impressive showing against the Red Devils two weeks ago.

Hammers boss David Moyes has said that his side could be without a few unnamed players after the international break. Fullback Ryan Fredericks could make a return after suffering a groin injury in the Carabao cup win over Manchester United on 22nd September.

Moyes has kept his cards close to his chest for this fixture, so Evertonians will find out tomorrow which players are missing when the teams are announced.

One to Watch – Everton

Allan has been a key cog in the Everton machine this season, and his performances have slipped under the radar after the stellar performances of Abdoulaye Doucouré. Playing deeper has allowed Doucouré to play in a much more advanced role, but Allan has been pivotal in Everton’s success so far this season.

The Brazilian has made 21 tackles so far this season, ranking him fifth in the Premier League, despite playing a game less than some players.

The midfielder has a number of strengths identified by WhoScored, which include: dribbling, tackling, and blocking the ball. And with him having made 21 tackles and a number of interceptions, he has demonstrated these strengths.

However, his weakness is his aerial ability. He is only 173cm, which for a midfielder is small, but most aerial threats are dealt with by Everton’s centre halves, so it should not be a problem tomorrow.

One to Watch – West Ham United

With West Ham, one might choose to focus on Michail Antonio after his scintillating start to the season, however it is another attacking player for David Moyes’ side that is the one to watch this week.

Following his successful loan spell last season, West Ham made the signing of Saïd Benrahma a permanent one for £25 million. This made him the Hammers third-most expensive signing.

He has started this season off very well, with three goals and two assists in seven games. His strengths include his dribbling, crossing, and passing. If Coleman or Digne are not fully fit and are playing, then they will have a tough time against a tricky opponent.

Yet Benrahma does have weaknesses, with one being his defensive work rate at times, something that Everton could look to exploit on Sunday afternoon.

Goodison Park will be host to a competitive match tomorrow, with both sides having made good starts to the season, and both looking to return to winning ways.

The Toffees will be looking to avenge last seasons defeat, whilst West Ham are looking for their second win in a row on the road.

With Everton missing a few key players, it will be a tough ask to get all three points tomorrow. It should hopefully be an intense game, with both sides looking for all three points.

Prediction: 2-2.

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