West Ham United vs Everton Predictions

• Everton have three points from seven clashes with sides above them
• West Ham have won all of their clashes with sides in the bottom eight this season
• The Hammers have won their last two home matches

Big setback for Everton

Everton lost 1-0 away to a previous winless Southampton last weekend, further deepening fears for the Toffees after a dire start. Sean Dyche’s side are now just four points clear of the drop zone after a fifth defeat of the campaign.

There’s little doubt Dyche got the best out of his side in the run-in last season, but their slow start this season is a problem for a side that continues to face off-field issues. Saturday pits them against a West Ham team with huge concerns of their own, although there are signs they’ve found their level.

Hammers picking off vulnerable sides

For all the criticism of West Ham and new boss Julen Lopetegui, the club have a pretty straightforward set of results. They’ve lost all five of their clashes with teams in the top seven, they’ve drawn two trips to sides in midtable and they’ve won all three clashes with teams in the bottom eight.

Of course, the fact that the Hammers are in the bottom eight is the big issue for Lopetegui, given their ambitions of challenging for Europe. They’ve taken steps forward with consecutive wins at home, while last weekend’s loss at third-placed Nottingham Forest was poor considering the margin, but they lost to a well-coached side.

Having preyed on struggling sides – including a 4-1 win over Ipswich and a 2-0 victory at Palace – Saturday offers an opportunity for the Hammers.

Everton’s issues set to continue

Like West Ham, Everton have made the most of playing sides below them. Both of their league wins so far have come against the four teams beneath them, although they also lost at second-bottom Southampton.

Against sides above them, Everton have taken just three points from seven fixtures. That includes two defeats from three on their travels. The Hammers have won two of their last three home clashes with Everton and they were 3-1 winners at Goodison in March of this year.

This is a clash where the Hammers’ attacking options can shine and Michail Antonio is one to watch. He was key in the win over Ipswich and the forward can punish an Everton side that is shipping 1.8 goals per away game.