Everton vs West Ham predictions for this Premier League clash. Everton, with a cushion over the relegation zone, hosts West Ham United at Goodison Park on Saturday, returning to Premier League action. Read on for all our free Premier League predictions and betting tips.
Premier League | Gameweek 27 – Mar 2, 2024 at 3pm UK at Goodison Park
Everton vs West Ham United Predictions
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A Tightly Contested Battle at Goodison Park: Everton vs West Ham United
Key Stats
– Everton’s six-match winless streak in the league highlights their struggle for victories amidst relegation battles.
– Jarrod Bowen’s recent hat-trick underscores his importance to West Ham’s attacking ambitions.
– The fixture’s history of low-scoring encounters, with under 2.5 goals in six of the last seven meetings, sets the stage for another tight contest.
The Premier League resumes with Everton hosting West Ham United in a fixture that carries significant weight for both sides. Everton, having recently seen their points deduction reduced, aim to distance themselves further from the relegation zone. Meanwhile, West Ham United, buoyed by their first win of 2024, seek to continue their upward trajectory. This encounter at Goodison Park is set against a backdrop of recent celebrations and the looming shadow of European commitments for the Hammers, making it a pivotal match for the aspirations of both clubs.
A Glimpse into Both Camps
Everton’s reprieve from a heavier points deduction has injected a sense of relief within the squad. However, the spectre of a potential further penalty looms large, making every point crucial in their battle for survival. Their recent draw against Brighton highlighted both their resilience and the recurring issue of failing to secure wins, with a six-match winless streak in the league underscoring their precarious position.
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West Ham United, on the other hand, have found a semblance of form, with Jarrod Bowen’s hat-trick propelling them to a much-needed victory against Brentford. This win not only ended a dismal run but also elevated them closer to the European spots, a testament to their enduring quality despite a challenging season.
Tactical Analysis and Expected Lineups
Everton, under Sean Dyche, have developed a reputation for being difficult to break down, with a focus on defensive solidity and counter-attacks. The potential inclusion of Amadou Onana in place of the injured Idrissa Gueye could offer more dynamism in midfield, supporting Everton’s transitional play. Their expected lineup of Pickford; Godfrey, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Garner, Onana, McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin suggests a balance between defence and attack, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the line in search of goals.
West Ham’s David Moyes returns to his former club with a fully fit squad and a tactical setup that aims to exploit Everton’s vulnerabilities. The return of Lucas Paqueta adds creativity to the midfield, complementing the attacking prowess of Bowen. Their likely starting XI of Areola; Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Bowen indicates a blend of defensive resilience and offensive ambition, with Bowen as the focal point of their attack.
Key Duels and Match Deciders
The midfield battle, particularly between Everton’s Onana and West Ham’s Soucek and Alvarez, will be crucial in determining control of the game. Onana’s physicality and box-to-box capabilities will be tested against the tactical intelligence and work rate of Soucek and Alvarez. Additionally, the duel between Calvert-Lewin and West Ham’s central defenders, Zouma and Mavropanos, could decide Everton’s effectiveness in the final third.
Analysis of Strategies and Managerial Insights
Sean Dyche’s Everton has shown defensive robustness but lacks cutting edge upfront. An emphasis on creating clearer scoring opportunities and improving set-piece effectiveness could enhance their goal threat. David Moyes’ West Ham, meanwhile, has displayed versatility in attack but must address inconsistencies, particularly in away performances. Moyes’ tactical flexibility will be key in navigating Everton’s defensive setup and securing a positive result.
Criticism of Dyche’s conservative approach is valid, as it has often resulted in a lack of goals. A more balanced strategy, incorporating controlled aggression in attack, could prove beneficial. Moyes, despite recent successes, faces scrutiny over the team’s away form and must find a formula that translates their home prowess to away contexts.
Predictions and Rationale
1. Draw
The expectation of a tightly contested match between Everton and West Ham United stems from their respective forms and tactical dispositions. Under Sean Dyche, Everton have showcased a strong defensive foundation, often at the sacrifice of their attacking output. This approach has led to numerous matches where the Toffees have been solid defensively but have struggled to capitalise on their offensive plays. Conversely, West Ham United, despite possessing a robust attacking lineup, have found it difficult to maintain consistency in their performances away from home, with a notable difficulty in finding the back of the net in several of their travels.
The history of encounters between these two sides supports the notion of a closely fought battle, with neither team dominating the other across recent matches. The strategic emphasis from both managers on not losing ground, especially considering the Premier League’s tight mid-table contest, further points to a game where caution might override the pursuit of three points from either side. This cautious approach, combined with the defensive strengths of Everton and the inconsistent away form of West Ham, leans towards a prediction where a draw appears to be the most probable outcome, reflecting the balanced nature of the contest and the strategic priorities of both teams.
2. Correct Score Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Predicting a 1-1 draw takes into account the defensive strategies of both teams and their recent performances. Everton’s resilience at Goodison Park, coupled with their urgent need for points, suggests they will be tough to break down. However, their offensive shortcomings might limit them to a single goal. West Ham United, buoyed by their victory against Brentford, will enter the match with confidence but face challenges in breaking down Everton’s defence.
The Hammers’ improved form and Everton’s knack for drawing games, particularly in low-scoring affairs, support the prediction of a 1-1 stalemate. This scoreline reflects the balance between Everton’s defensive organisation and West Ham’s attacking intentions, with both sides likely cancelling each other out.
3. Goalscorer Prediction: Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen stands out as a potential goalscorer in this fixture, based on his recent form and pivotal role in West Ham’s attack. His hat-trick against Brentford not only highlighted his finishing prowess but also his importance to David Moyes’ tactical plans. Bowen’s ability to find space in tight defences, combined with his sharp shooting, makes him a constant threat.
Against an Everton side focusing on defensive solidity, Bowen’s movements and knack for being in the right place at the right time position him as the most likely candidate to score. Given the expected tightness of the match and the importance of set-pieces and counter-attacks, Bowen’s attributes align well with the type of opportunities West Ham may create at Goodison Park.
4. Corner Prediction: West Ham to Have More Corners; Total Corners Over 9.5
The expectation that West Ham will have more corners and that the total number of corners will exceed 9.5 is informed by the tactical dynamics of both teams. West Ham’s style of play under Moyes, which often involves wide attacks and crosses into the box, naturally leads to corners. This approach, combined with the creative influences of Paqueta and Ward-Prowse, who are adept at delivering quality balls into the area, suggests West Ham will frequently test Everton’s defence, resulting in corners.
Furthermore, the game’s competitive nature, with both teams eager for points, will likely lead to a match characterised by attacks and defensive clearances, hence a higher corner count. This prediction is not only based on tactical analysis but also on the observed tendencies of both teams to engage in play that results in corners, whether through direct attacks or deflected attempts on goal.
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