Three things to watch for in Everton clash v West Ham
Everton followed up a fortunate victory over Arsenal with a disappointing loss to Aston Villa at Goodison Park last week.
The Toffees had ended their run of five games in the Premier League without a win however another underwhelming performance saw the Villans deservedly claim three points on Merseyside.
Everton now face Champions League chasing West Ham at the London Stadium in another must-win game as the Blues attempt to keep their European dreams alive.
Ahead of Everton’s clash with the Hammers on Sunday, we at Goodison News have picked out three things that fans should watch out for in this upcoming encounter.
Physical forward
Michail Antonio will likely lead the line against Everton, having scored twice against Burnley last weekend, and Carlo Ancelotti must ensure his defensive is up to the task.
Everton were taken apart by Aston Villa because of defensive frailties last week and Antonio is made in a similar mould as Ollie Watkins, boasting power, pace and physicality, traits of which Everton will have to prepare to combat.
Creativity influx
James Rodriguez was missing with Everton faced Aston Villa and frustratingly that meant that the club’s creative efforts were rather blunted.
Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that the Colombian should be passed fit to play at the London Stadium, and if that proves to be the case then the club could rely on his creative output to drive goalscoring opportunities.
Midfield energy a must
Allan has been a welcome return to Everton’s midfield but the club have still dearly missed Abdoulaye Doucoure’s energy. Ancelotti did suggest he could be fit to return this weekend, but that might not happen.
In the case that it doesn’t, Andre Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson must step up their game to counteract West Ham’s dominance in that area. They will miss vital cog Declan Rice, but Tomas Soucek alone is enough to cause Everton problems if they don’t take care to neutralise him.
In other Everton news, journalist questions this Toffees player that Ancelotti is constantly shouting at during games.
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