Our live stream ahead of New Years Days Premier League match, Everton vs West Ham United is now up, kicking off at 17.30 GMT
You can keep an eye on the commentary as it happens below, but first, we take a preview into the fixture, lineups, predictions and much more…
Everton come into the game hoping to extend their Premier League winning streak to five games when they face West Ham. Their latest 1-0 win over Sheffield United followed victories over Arsenal, Leceister and Chelsea during an excellent winter period for the Toffees.
The only strike conceded in four league games came from the penalty spot against Arsenal, and the Everton backline will expect to maintain their form against opposition who have started to falter.
Having been in such good form the club would have been disappointed that a number of positive coronavirus cases at Manchester City led to their fixture being postponed on Monday.
However, despite their momentum having been halted to a certain degree, the extra breather may prove to be a blessing in disguise come the end of the season.
The Hammers make the trip to Goodison Park on the back of four matches without success, a run which has left the East London team in 10th position.
The club remain within a win of returning to the top six, recording just three points from four matches is the low point of the season for David Moyes.
A goalless draw at Southampton is a respectable result in isolation, but the Scot still faces questions over the tactics used for the home fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion.
With the fixture list looking favourable until the end of January, a poor return over the next month could lead to the hierarchy considering their options for the future.
Everton and West Ham United last met in September in a Carabao Cup tie, with Everton progressing, winning 4-1 at Goodison Park…
PRESS CONFERENCE:
Carlo Ancelotti
On Man city postponement…
“I think everyone is disappointed we didn’t play the game [against City],”
“I think also Manchester City were disappointed.”
“Unfortunately, they had problems and the Premier League decided to postpone the game. “
“We followed the decision and we move forward to the next game.”
“The fact we didn’t play against City means we can have fresh legs against West Ham.”
“The preparation has been good and I hope we are ready.”
“In the last games, we have increased our consistency, above all, defensively.”
“We know we can compete. We have improved our confidence and our belief.”
“We are ready to be tested again against West Ham and it will be, as usual, a difficult game. Every game is a battle in the Premier League.”
On team following game plans…
“We found solidity at the back after a difficult month in November,”
“We are pleased. We didn’t change our style and philosophy, but in some games we changed the strategy.”
“Firstly, it is good we have been able to adapt to the fact we have lost important players.”
“Secondly, there are opposition teams where, if you concede space on the pitch, you have more difficulties.”
“In some games, our block was a little bit deeper than normal and we got good results.”
“The fact we are able to adapt is a good sign for the squad.”
On Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal drought
“It’s true he didn’t score, as he usually has, but it is also true he was really important,”
“Against Chelsea he was fouled for the penalty and against Arsenal he was involved in the first goal, which was an own goal.
“I don’t have to ask for any more from him. He is still working really hard.”
FORM:
Everton Premier League form: LDWWWW
Everton form (all competitions): DWWWLW
West Ham United Premier League form: LWDLDD
LINEUPS:
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Holgate, Mina, Keane, Godfrey; Doucoure, Davies; Iwobi, Sigurdsson, Gordon; Calvert-Lewin
West Ham United possible starting lineup:
Fabainski; Coufal, Dawson, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Bowen, Benrahma, Fornals; Antonio
THATSAGOAL TIP:
Under 2.5 Goals – 21/20 with FanTeam
Five of Everton’s last six games have featured under 2.5 goals. The Toffees have managed three clean sheets from their last four as they continued their strong end of year form.
West Ham’s games haven’t been as consistently low scoring but two under 2.5-goal matches from their last four and a 0-0 draw with Southampton suggests this game could follow a similar pattern.
Michail Antonio returned from injury with an appearance off the bench in the aforementioned stalemate but it may be too soon to see with Hammers’ forward starting here.
Time to take a look at our Everton vs West Ham live match stream as it happens…
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