Premier League preview and odds: West Ham vs. Everton

Published on: 06/11/2015

Premier League preview and odds: West Ham vs. Everton

November 7, 2015 15:00pm Boleyn Ground

Premier League

Two teams that could be in contention for the European places come May will battle it out at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday as sixth-ranked West Ham host mid-table Everton in the Barclays Premier League.

Hammers looking for response

West Hams form has been one of the surprise elements of the current Premier League campaign, but their seven-game unbeaten run came to an abrupt end last week when they were deservedly beaten by newly-promoted Watford.

It was the first away defeat of the season for Slaven Bilics team who have now slipped out of the European qualifications spots into sixth-place. However, they remain just five points adrift of the leaders and, depending on other results, could break back into the top five with a win a home to Everton.

The Hammers lost their first two home games of the season but have remained unbeaten since, having secured wins over Chelsea and Newcastle, and a draw against Norwich. Saturdays game will give them a chance to test themselves against a top-ten side at home for the first time since the opening day when they were undone by fellow over-achievers Leicester City.

Everton looking stay in touch

After a three-game spell without a victory, Everton got back to winning ways in style with a 6-2 thrashing of a feeble Sunderland side. Arouna Kone bagged his first hat-trick for the Toffees as their visitors suffered a spectacular defensive collapse in the second half.

Roberto Martinez will point to the fact that they had to play Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal during their recent winless streak, but a return of just one point form those three games will have disappointed the Spanish Coach.

The victory over Sam Allardyces men has lifted the Merseyside team back up to ninth place in the table just one place behind their city rivals Liverpool. A win on Saturday would see them rise above Jurgen Klopps team, until Sunday at least, while a defeat could put a serious dent in their European aspirations, with five points already separating them from the first Champions League qualification spot.

Team news

West Ham will be without James Collins, who is suspended following his red card against Watford, while Diafra Sakho, Pedro Obiang and recently-recovered Winston Reid are all doubtful for inclusion.

The visitors are without the injured quartet of Phil Jagielka, Bryan Oviedo, Steven Pienaar and Tony Hibbert, while Leighton Baines, Muhamed Besic and Tom Cleverley are all on the doubtful list despite training with the first team this week.

Recent form (League)

West Ham: LWWDD

Everton: WLLDW

Betting odds and tips

West Ham have great form going forward and have scored at least two goals in their last four home games. In addition, 80% of their home games have finished with goals at both ends, with their only clean sheet coming against goal-shy Newcastle. Everton have scored away from home on their last two outings. You can back Both Teams to Score at 13/20 with Betfair.

A total of 80% of West Hams home matches and 60% of Evertons away trips have finished with Over 2.5 goals. You can back this outcome at 4/5 with Betvictor.

The last two games between the sides have finshed 2-1 and that score-line looks like being the best bet, but who will come out on top? West Ham have not won any of the last 17 meetings but they have never had such a good start to a Premier League season. You can back the 2-1 home win at 10/1 with Bet365.

Published on: 06/11/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (06/11/2015 13:45:08) but are subject to change.