Michael Owen predicts result of Everton clash v West Ham
Michael Owen has backed West Ham to pour more misery on Everton and beat them 2-1 at the London Stadium on Sunday evening.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are desperate to return to winning ways to reignite their European ambitions after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Goodison Park last weekend.
They visit East London with the chance to move within three points of the hosts, while they have a game in hand that could see them draw level next week.
But writing in his BetVictor predictions column, ex-Liverpool striker Owen believes the Blues will suffer successive losses, making it just one win in their last nine games.
“West Ham welcome Everton to the London Stadium in the envious position of fifth spot in the table,” he said.
“Of course, I say envious because Toffees fans will feel after starting their season so well all those months ago, it could be them in that position.
“That said, on paper there isn’t much at all between these two, so I think this could come down to who wants it more.
“The Hammers can still get into the heady heights of the top four, and with one eye on how Chelsea get on against Manchester City, I think they’ll get a narrow victory.”
Revenge mission
The reverse fixture in January ranks as one of our most frustrating results of the season.
We dominated the ball, something we’re not usually known for, but we were sucker-punched in the closing stages as Tomas Soucek stole in at the back post to score the game’s solitary goal in the 86th minute.
It was a bitterly disappointing display and David Moyes and his charges have gone from strength to strength since that game, while we have dropped like a stone in recent months.
Should we really be six points behind the Hammers at this stage? Their isn’t too much difference in the quality of our respective squads, so we are lacking behind somewhat.
We should be viewing Sunday’s game as the chance to write the wrongs of the Goodison Park clash while breathing life back into our European charge.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti irritated by journalist as he’s pressed for answers about Blues star.
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