West Ham United vs Everton Predictions

West Ham United vs Everton predictions for Sunday’s Premier League clash. The Hammers, who have suffered two consecutive defeats in a row, hope to bounce back, while the Toffees try to make their away form stick. Who will prevail? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

Match Live Sunday, 29th October at 1:00 pm In:

West Ham United vs Everton Predictions

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Redemption in London: West Ham and Everton Clash for Premier Honour

West Ham United, following consecutive losses in both the Premier League and Europa League, are in dire need of a return to form. The Hammers, under David Moyes, are itching to reaffirm their top-flight status, and Sunday’s game against Everton offers a chance at redemption. The Toffees, on the other hand, have had their spirits dampened, not just from their loss to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby but also with the passing of chairman Bill Kenwright.

The recent 2-1 defeat to Olympiacos marked the end of West Ham’s impressive 17-match unbeaten streak in European competitions. Lucas Paqueta’s sublime volley was a mere consolation, as it came after two earlier goals had already given the Greek side a comfortable lead.

Past Performances and Premier League Struggles

While Everton’s recent challenges lie with on-field officiating decisions and a potential point deduction, West Ham’s are rooted in performance. They’ve now gone three games without a win. That said, their scoring streak remains intact, with goals in every competitive fixture of the 2023-24 season.

Everton, in contrast, is perilously close to the relegation zone. Recent matchups have seen West Ham with the upper hand, winning three of the last four encounters against the Toffees.

Team News and Tactical Shifts

In terms of team compositions, both sides will be adjusting to suspensions. West Ham’s Emerson Palmieri will be missing due to accumulated yellow cards, leaving room for either Aaron Cresswell or Ben Johnson to fill the defensive void. Similarly, Everton will be without Ashley Young, opening the door for Nathan Patterson. Other notable absences include Everton’s Seamus Coleman, Andre Gomes, and Dele Alli.

The Critical Battle Zones

A key area to watch will be the midfield. The duo of James Ward-Prowse and Lucas Paqueta for West Ham has been instrumental in dictating play and creating goal-scoring opportunities. Their direct counterparts from Everton, Dwight McNeil and James Garner, will have their work cut out, both defensively and in adding to Everton’s offensive arsenal.

Opinions on Strategy and Management

Both teams possess clear strengths and weaknesses. West Ham’s impressive attacking statistics, including scoring in every competitive game this season, juxtapose their defensive lapses. Everton, meanwhile, has shown resilience but lacks consistency.

Managerially, David Moyes needs to rekindle the spark within his West Ham side. His over-reliance on key players might be leading to fatigue and predictable gameplay. On the other side, while Sean Dyche’s defensive organisation is commendable, his inability to evolve the team’s playing style raises questions about long-term success. Quite harshly, Dyche might need to introspect more profoundly, as maintaining a stagnant game plan can be detrimental in the dynamic world of football.

Technical Analysis:

Offensive and Defensive Strategies

West Ham’s recent matches have reflected a defensive frailty, no more evident than in their loss against Olympiacos. Angelo Ogbonna’s ill-fated attempt to divert a cross which ended up in his net shows a lack of communication and synergy in the defensive third. Meanwhile, Paqueta’s late volley was a mere consolation but exemplified what the Irons can offer offensively. Their streak of scoring in every competitive game since the season’s start speaks of a team that can, when in rhythm, weave magic up front. James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen, with their exceptional ratings, have been instrumental in driving the team’s attack, providing the creativity and execution required.

Contrarily, Everton’s defensive lapses against Liverpool, evident from Ashley Young’s dismissal, show that they need to work on discipline. The controversy surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s non-dismissal does raise eyebrows on external influences, but the Toffees’ defensive woes need introspection. On the attack, the likes of Dwight McNeil, with his expected assists, shows promise.

Individual Performances

Both teams have had their standout players. For West Ham, James Ward-Prowse’s midfield maestro antics and Lucas Paqueta’s creativity have been key. Alphonse Aréola, despite the team’s defensive mishaps, has been instrumental between the sticks. Everton, on the other hand, boasts the likes of James Tarkowski, who has maintained an impressive average rating, and Jack Harrison, proving vital in their midfield manoeuvres.

Impact of Management

David Moyes’s West Ham had been on a formidable 17-game unbeaten European run before their recent setbacks. While these defeats raise questions, one must remember the leaps Moyes has made with the side, from relegation contenders to European competitors. At Everton, the loss of chairman Bill Kenwright could have repercussions, yet the team’s playing style and recent results reflect more on managerial decisions than off-field affairs.

Expected Goals and Comparison

West Ham’s ratio of goals scored to goals conceded stands at 1:1, indicating a balanced, albeit precarious, performance. Everton, meanwhile, with 9 goals scored and 14 conceded, leans more defensively, which might be a cause of concern.

Tactically, both teams have shown attacking flair but have been let down defensively. While West Ham enjoys ball possession, they seem to falter in accurate long balls and crosses. Everton, with a higher ball possession percentage, has its own challenges, especially in accurate crossing.

Suggestions for Improvement

For West Ham, improving their communication in the defensive third is crucial. While their offensive streak is commendable, ensuring they don’t concede is equally vital. Everton, on the other hand, needs to tighten up defensively and ensure that their midfielders, like McNeil, get more involved in the play, driving their offensive strategies.

Pros, Cons, and Dynamics

West Ham’s strength lies in their consistent goal-scoring ability, but defensive frailties prove their Achilles heel. Everton, with a slightly better defensive record, needs to amp up their offensive strategies.

Managerial Strengths and Weaknesses

While Moyes has transformed West Ham’s fortunes, the recent losses beg the question: has he peaked with the Hammers? On the Everton side, while managerial decisions have been questionable, the more significant concern remains: are external factors, like controversial refereeing decisions, influencing their games more than they should?

To stir the pot a bit: while Moyes’s contribution to West Ham is undeniable, is it time for a new managerial direction? And as for Everton, are they becoming the Premier League’s “hard done by” side, always at the wrong end of a referee’s whistle?

Predictions:

1. Match Outcome: Draw

Background: With West Ham seeking redemption following their back-to-back losses and Everton still smarting from their defeat against Liverpool, both teams will be desperate not to drop any more points. However, West Ham’s unbeaten home scoring record this season, combined with Everton’s fighting spirit, might mean both sides cancelling each other out.

Justification: The Hammers’ current form, especially the recent 4-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa and a disappointing 2-1 loss to Olympiacos in the Europa League, suggests they might struggle to dominate. Everton, although not in the best shape themselves, managed to take all three points from their last visit to the London Stadium in May 2021. Recent head-to-head statistics slightly favour West Ham, but given the present circumstances, a draw seems a more plausible outcome.

2. Correct Score: 1-1

Background: Both teams have had their fair share of goals this season, but they’ve also demonstrated defensive vulnerabilities.

Justification: West Ham has been consistent in finding the net at home, with a record that boasts of scoring in all their home matches this season. Everton, on the other hand, while not as prolific, have shown tenacity even in challenging matches. Given the stakes and the pressure, both teams will likely be cautious, leading to a scoreline that reflects both their offensive capabilities and defensive concerns.

3. Goalscorer: Lucas Paqueta

Background: Lucas Paqueta’s recent form has been noteworthy. The Brazilian’s venomous volley against Olympiacos, albeit in a losing cause, displayed his confidence and current form.

Justification: Paqueta has been a bright spark for West Ham this season and has found himself in good goal-scoring positions. With the home advantage and the team’s tendency to score at the London Stadium, backing Paqueta to get on the score sheet seems a sensible prediction.

4. Corners: West Ham to have more corners; Total corners to be above 9.

Background: The Hammers have averaged 4.8 corners per game, while the overall game tempo and attacking tendencies of both teams suggest a high number of set-pieces.

Justification: West Ham, playing at home, will likely press higher and have more of the attacking play, leading to more corners. Given the attacking players at their disposal, they will force Everton to defend deep, leading to clearances that could result in corner kicks. A combined tally exceeding 9 corners for the match between the two teams seems likely given their style of play.

5. Shot on Target: Jarrod Bowen

Background: Bowen has been a critical figure for West Ham this season. His recent goal against Aston Villa reaffirms his position as one of the team’s primary threats.

Justification: The Englishman’s ability to cut inside, combined with his instinctive positioning, makes him a likely candidate to test the keeper. Given his past performances and the high stakes of the match, expect Bowen to take his chances and register at least one shot on target.

6. Yellow Card: Lucas Paqueta

Background: Lucas Paqueta, besides his attacking prowess, has already accumulated 4 yellow cards this season.

Justification: Paqueta’s aggressive style and his role in midfield duels often place him in situations where he might commit fouls. Given the intensity of this fixture and the Brazilian’s recent card record, it won’t be surprising if he gets into the referee’s book.

7. Assist: James Ward-Prowse

Background: James Ward-Prowse has been pivotal in West Ham’s attacking plays. He leads the team with an expected assist (xA) figure of 2.59, having already turned 3 of those into actual assists.

Justification: Known for his exceptional set-piece deliveries and vision, Ward-Prowse has the ability to carve open defences. Given West Ham’s need to bounce back and their scoring record at home, it’s highly probable that if they score, Ward-Prowse will be involved either directly or indirectly in the build-up.

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