Two struggling teams who have already sacked their managers this season face off at Goodison Park on Wednesday night as Everton host West Ham United. David Moyes returns to the club where he found so much success as Everton boss and he will be confident of taking something from a game against a side who have won just one of their last five matches. This will surely be David Unsworth’s final game in temporary charge of Everton, with Sam Allardyce expected to become the new manager in the coming days.
Premier League – Goodison Park, Liverpool Wednesday 29th November – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 12/5 at Betfair |
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Everton
WesthamEverton
Everton were simply dreadful against Southampton on Sunday, going down to a 4-1 defeat to one of the lowest scoring teams in the Premier League. Everton fans were hoping that the sacking of Ronald Koeman would lead to an upturn in form for the club, but David Unsworth has taken them backwards with the defensive organisation a complete mess right now. Everton have a number of injuries coming into this game with Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman, Yannick Bolasie, Michael Keane, James McCarthy, Funes Mori and Leighton Baines all likely to miss the match.
West Ham United
There were slight signs of encouragement for West Ham United fans during their 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Friday night and they will be hoping to continue that against Everton on Wednesday. David Moyes must improve the defensive side of West Ham’s game if they are to progress this season, but you feel that they have enough quality in their side to move clear of the relegation zone. West Ham have a few fitness doubts heading into the game with Javier Hernandez, James Collins and Michail Antonio all struggling with injuries.
Talking Points
1. Everton have lost just once in their last 18 Premier League matches against the Hammers (W11 D6 L1) – losing 2-3 in March 2016 under Roberto Martinez.
2. Everton are the only side that David Moyes has faced as a manager in the Premier League without winning.
3. The Hammers have won only one of their last 14 Premier League away matches (W1 D6 L7).
Prediction
This game could really go either way; both of these sides have been terrible this season with Everton currently boasting the worst defensive record in the Premier League and West Ham United only just behind with the joint second worst. Both of these teams have match winners in their ranks who could spring a surprise, but I think this one will end as a score draw. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a high scoring game here between two sides who seem to have forgotten the art of defending.
Betting Tips
Everton start this game as favourites at odds of 5/4, whilst an away win for West Ham United is priced up at 12/5, with the draw also available at 12/5. I think there will be goals here, so the 4/5 on BTTS looks like printing money to me. If you want to take it even further, I think the 11/4 available on Over 3.5 goals looks like a solid bet, especially when you consider four of Everton’s last five games have finished with over that amount.
Over 3.5 goals – 11/4 (Ladbrokes)