Everton host West Ham United tonight in a huge bottom of the table clash.
Arthur Masuaku of West Ham United and Ademola Lookman of Everton in action during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton at the London Stadium on April 22, 2017 in…
17th placed Everton welcome back former manager David Moyes who brings 18th placed West Ham United to Goodison Park.
The game has become an unexpected relegation six pointer after both sides have underachieved so far this term. Each of them got off to a poor start in the league and have both parted company with their respective managers.
Sam Allardyce is expected to be named the new Everton manager according to Sky Sports while Moyes will be taking charge of his third game as Hammers boss.
In terms of form, only Swansea City and Newcastle United have picked up fewer points than West Ham in their last five games while Everton have won just one of their last seven.
Defeat for West Ham tonight would leave them in the bottom three however they’d only be two points adrift but given their upcoming fixtures, they could be much further behind in a couple of weeks time.
David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United (C) looks on from the bench alongside Stuart Pearce assistant manager of West Ham United (L) and Billy McKinlay coach of West Ham United (R) prior…
They go to Manchester City before hosting Arsenal and Chelsea at the London Stadium. West Ham have faced three of last seasons top six and have lost each time, conceding 11 goals in the process so on that form, it’s hard to see them picking up a point from those games which makes this one even more crucial than it already is.
Everton’s fixtures aren’t much kinder. A home game against Huddersfield Town follows at the weekend but they then have three consecutive away games to tackle. They face a long trip to Cyprus for their Europa League tie against Apollon Limassol just three days before they go to Anfield for the Merseyside derby which comes days before a trip to Newcastle United.
Sam Allardyce is close to agreeing to taking the reigns at Everton.
Going into those matches, Everton will not want to be in the bottom three. ‘Big Sam’ took time to get Sunderland and Palace out of trouble. He took just one point from his first five games at Selhurst Park.
West Ham’s run stands out more though and ultimately, they’re the side below the trap door and Allardyce will have a bit more time than he did at Palace and better financial resources, so West Ham’s need for three points is perhaps slightly greater.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
