The pressure for a top-four finish takes a new level for West Ham United to play for Europa spot hopefuls, Everton. The match schedules for Sunday at London Stadium with kickoff at 6:30 pm.
Top four aspirants Everton took a shocker in their run of games following a 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. In contrast, West Ham returned to winning ways after a 2-1 win over Burnley.
There was a point where most fans thought the top four race would take a different turn. Everton and West Ham were among the contenders to cause the ‘Big Six’ sleepless nights. However, the string of matches paints a different picture, with West Ham is currently locked at sixth while Everton has the eighth spot.
Moreover, the hopes of a top-four finish for West Ham were derailed in the past two weeks with losses to Newcastle and Aston Villa. Furthermore, Chelsea registered a 2-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday.
Five points separate the Hammers from a spot in the Champions League. However, it is something David Moyes knows and tries to fix in the remaining three league matches.
In contrast, Carlo Ancelotti might have laid the coffin to rest for a top-four finish. But, then, 11 points separate the Toffees from a Champions League spot, but only five points from a Europa League spot.
West Ham vs. Everton Head to Head
Both sides have 30 games against each other, with West Ham taking six wins while Everton 16 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Burnley 1-2 West Ham
- West Ham 0-1 Chelsea
- Newcastle 3-2 West Ham
- West Ham 3-2 Leicester
- Wolves 2-3 West Ham
Away
- Everton 1-2 Aston Villa
- Arsenal 0-1 Everton
- Everton 2-2 Tottenham
- Brighton 0-0 Everton
- Everton 1-1 Crystal Palace
West Ham Team News
David Moyes welcomed Antonio and Aaron Cresswell into the starting XI. However, it was hoped that Declan Rice would recover from a knee injury ahead of this clash. After an impressive display at Turf Moor, Lanzini returns to the fold this weekend. Injury doubts include Mark Noble, Arthur Masauku, and Angelo Ogbonna.
Everton Team News
Carlo Ancelotti remains without James Rodriguez as the attacking midfielder picked up a calf problem. However, Abdoulaye Doucore is available to feature after recovering from a foot injury in March. Michael Keane returns at the heart of the defense.
Prediction and Odds
Everton continues impressive displays on the road but faces a far incensed Hammer side intent of a top-four finish.
- Correct Score: 1-0
- West Ham Win
- Goals Under 2.5
