Prediction: West Ham vs Everton

Verdict: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Bet365

Two sides with an outside chance of landing Europa League football this season, West Ham will host Everton at the London Stadium on Saturday evening.

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, after scoring three late goals and picking up an incredibly hard-fought 4-3 win over Huddersfield prior to the international break, West Ham avoided quite the embarrassment last time out. With Manuel Pellegrini’s side now sat ninth in the table and just two points adrift of Wolves and that final Europa League position, the Hammers’ form in East London has arguably been their strongest suit this year. Winning their last three top-flight matches at the London Stadium, the former Manchester City boss has seen his side enjoy a seven-match unbeaten run on home soil, a run that stems back to the 22nd of December. More impressive, West Ham have taken points off the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal at home this season. With Marko Arnautovic having to settle for a place on the bench following his potential move to China during the January transfer window, Javier Hernandez has done an impressive job of leading the line. Coming off the bench and grabbing two late goals against the Terriers earlier in the month, the former Manchester United poacher has three in his last four Premier League appearances.

Team News

West Ham midfielder Samir Nasri is a major doubt because of a calf injury.

The Hammers are already definitely without five injured players: Winston Reid, Andriy Yarmolenko, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Sanchez and Andy Carroll.

Everton

As for the visitors, picking up a very impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea prior to the international break, Marco Silva will be desperate for his side to build off that result. In a season that can best be described as inconsistent, Everton currently find themselves outside the top half of the table. Picking up just two wins in their last seven top-flight outings, the Toffees’ major problem this year has undoubtedly been their form away from Goodison Park. Throwing away a two-goal lead and leaving St. James’ Park on the wrong end of a 3-2 defeat, Saturday’s visitors have lost five of their last seven matches on the road, including crashing out of the FA Cup at the hands of Championship outfit Millwall back in January. If Everton are to climb their way back into the top half of the Premier League table, then the former Watford boss will be hoping for summer arrival Richarlison to continue his bright run of form. Once again featuring for Brazil over the international break, the 21-year-old has two in his last two.

Team News

Everton centre-back Yerry Mina is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring problem while on international duty with Colombia.

Lucas Digne and club captain Phil Jagielka are available after injury, while Andre Gomes is being assessed.

Loanee Kurt Zouma returns after missing the win over parent club Chelsea.

Key Factors to Consider

• West Ham are unbeaten in six league games at the London Stadium and could win four successive top-flight home matches for the first time since May 2002.
• The Hammers have scored nine goals in their past three home fixtures.
• Ten of their 12 league wins this season have come against sides currently in the bottom half of the table.
• Everton are vying to win consecutive Premier League fixtures for only the second time this season.
• They have exactly the same record as they did after 31 games of last season: W11, D7, L13.

Conclusion

A match that famously has a chance of producing high scoring encounters, we are predicting another lively contest at the London Stadium. With the last two matchups ending with a score of 3-1, both West Ham and Everton should see this as a golden opportunity to pick up a crucial three points.

Verdict: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals 

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: Bet365