Everton FC vs West Ham United FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Everton FC vs West Ham United FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Everton have somewhat steadied the ship over the past few games, turning in four successive draws after defeats in each of their opening two games of the season.

Frank Lampard’s men have battled hard for their club in recent weeks, earning draws against the likes of Liverpool, Everton, Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

There are still concerns about the club moving forward, but it is a base from which to build.

West Ham lost 2-1 to Chelsea but were denied a goal when Jarrod Bowen was adjudged to have fouled Edouard Mendy in the process. The replays show that the goal should have stood, denying West Ham a point.

That decision left West Ham in the bottom three, meaning that they have still only four points from their opening six games. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Everton FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Draw against Liverpool should have raised confidence levels

     Have become harder to beat in recent weeks

Reasons to be fearful:

     The injured Jordan Pickford will be a miss in goal

     Could go winless in the first seven games of a season for the first time since 1994

Everton will win a game of football eventually in the Premier League this season, it’s just a matter of time as to when this will happen.

They have a strong chance of doing so here, with their opponents currently occupying a place in the bottom three.

The Toffees needed their goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, in fine form to keep Liverpool out last weekend. Unfortunately, Pickford has picked up an injury that will keep him out for a month.

On the plus side, striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is nearing a return from his long-term injury. He’s performed well in training, if the reports are to be believed, and could return to the starting lineup here.

Lampard has a huge task on his hands here, but it could be a good test for his improving side.

Star Man – Anthony Gordon

The young forward has responded well to rumours about where he might be going in the transfer market. In the end, he went nowhere and has played well for Everton since.

West Ham United FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Won both games against Everton last season

     Positive European form should boost their confidence here

Reasons to be fearful

     The Hammers have lost eight of their 12 away league games in 2022

     Have scored a joint-low of three goals this season (tied with Wolves)

Of the teams currently in or around the bottom three, you’d be most confident of West Ham’s survival this season, considering how they’re currently playing and the signings they made over the summer.

Starting with their win over Aston Villa at the end of August, followed by a promising draw against Tottenham a week later, the Hammers have started to turn their form around of late.

The signings of Scamacca and Paqueta have added quality to their squad, which will be needed, especially with their European commitments too. 

Their defeat against Chelsea was a setback, especially as many feel they should have claimed a draw following a controversial VAR decision. 

Can they play with their usual intensity after also playing three days before in a Europa League clash? They will have to rotate their players smartly.

Star Man – Michail Antonio

The striker has performed better as the season has gone on, picking up a couple of goals in recent games. He’ll be determined to keep his place ahead of new signing Scamacca.