Everton take on West Ham United at Goodison Park this afternoon.
Mark Lawrenson
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Everton and West Ham United will draw 1-1 at Goodison Park this afternoon.
The Toffees made a blistering start to the season, but have stumbled in recent weeks, taking just two points from their last four games.
Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Burnley was a major disappointment having dominated the game for long spells, and manager Ronald Koeman will now be desperate to get back to winning ways at home this afternoon.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Their opponents are West Ham United, who have had the reverse season to Everton; a disappointing start followed by some strong recent results.
After beating Crystal Palace and Sunderland 1-0 in their last two league games, West Ham then beat Chelsea 2-1 at the London Stadium in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening, with Slaven Bilic’s men seemingly gathering some momentum.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic gestures
Bilic returns to Goodison Park this afternoon having played for the Toffees, and he’ll be hoping for a similar result as last season, where his side came from 2-0 down to beat Everton 3-0 on Merseyside.
Ahead of this afternoon’s clash, pundit Mark Lawrenson has offered his prediction, telling BBC Sport that he thinks the two sides will draw 1-1.
The former Liverpool defender noted the differing form of the two clubs, and ultimately believes that neither side will grab the win today.
General view outside the stadium before the match – Goodison Park
“Everton made a strong start to the season while West Ham’s problems were well documented, but things are very different on recent form,” said Lawrenson. “The Toffees have only taken two points from their last four league games and also went out of the EFL Cup.”
“If you include Wednesday’s victory over Chelsea in the same competition, the Hammers have won three in a row and drew the one before that. So one team has gone five games without a win, the other four without a defeat. Bearing that in mind, I am going for a draw,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Everton v West Ham United?
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