Prediction and odds for the game: Everton (10/11) vs West Ham (3/1)

We are backing the home win

When: Friday, 1st January 2021, Kick-off 17:30

Where: Goodison Park

On New Years Day, Everton host West Ham at Goodison Park, as the home team look to extend a stellar recent record in the Premier League.

Everton

The Toffees game against Manchester City on Monday was postponed due to several players from City testing positive for COVID-19.

The postponement may have done the Toffees a favour, as it has given the players more time for recovery after a tough and hectic schedule.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team heads into Friday evening’s game on the back of a four-game winning run in the Premier League. The Merseysider’s have seen off Chelsea, Leicester, Arsenal and Sheffield United, despite suffering a major injury-crisis.

The wins have moved the Merseysider’s into the top-four and they now look like realistic challengers for a Champions League spot.

On the injury front, the likes of Allan and Lucas Digne will remain sidelined for this clash. However, both Richarlison and James Rodriguez could return to the squad, which would add an extra attacking threat for the Toffees. If they are fit the pair are likely to go straight into the starting line-up.

Everton will fancy their chances against the Hammers. The Toffees have lost just three of their last 24 meetings with West Ham in all competitions. They have also won four the last five meetings with the visitors at Goodison Park.

West Ham

Former Everton head coach David Moyes returns to his old stomping ground on the back of a four-game winless run in the Premier League. A goalless draw at Southampton last time out means that the team from the English capital have drawn three of their last four league games.

The poor run of form has seen the Hammers slip down the table to tenth place, in what is becoming a tighter knit group of teams in the top half of the Premier League table.

Although the visitors enjoyed a purple patch of form at the end of November, they have won just four of their previous 13 top-flight games. That is not a great record heading to one of their bogey grounds in recent years.

West Ham’s recent away form has been slightly inconsistent in the Premier League. However, the Hammers have won just four of their last 18 league matches on their travels.

Conclusion

The extra rest afforded to Everton due to the postponement of their last game cannot be overestimated. The Toffees are in good form and we can see them coming out on top in this clash.

We are also taking a punt on Gylfi Sigurdsson being an anytime goalscorer at odds of 10/3. The Icelandic international may not be reassured of his place in the starting line-up with James’ potential return, but the former Swansea star has now scored in two of Everton’s last four league outings.

Verdict: We are backing the home win at odds of 10/11 and/or Gylfi Sigurdsson to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 10/3. (All odds are taken from Bet365).

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Can Everton continue their fine recent form at the Hammers expense?