Chris Sutton predicts result of Everton showdown with West Ham United for BBC Sport
Chris Sutton has predicted that Everton will pick up their first point following the international break, when they face West Ham United on Sunday 29 October.
The BBC Sport pundit believes that the Toffees will bounce back from their Merseyside derby defeat last week having impressed in recent wins over Bournemouth and Brentford, suggesting that Sean Dyche’s side will draw 1-1 with the Irons.
David Moyes’ side started the season well but have struggled in recent weeks, with three defeats on the spin in all competitions and Sutton believes that one Toffees striker will be able to fire Everton to what could be a crucial point on Sunday.
Writing in his BBC Sport predictions (26 October) Sutton said: “I just have a sneaky feeling that Everton are going to get something, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit and looking sharp.
“Calvert-Lewin has obviously had a lot of injuries but I am not going to apologise for admiring him. Everton’s season depends on him, and he can definitely help them get a point here, for starters.
“West Ham are a well-balanced side and Everton fans will know very well how organised teams are under David Moyes, but I can see the Toffees scrapping this one out for a draw. 1-1.”
Sneaky feeling
Everton have put in some much-improved performances since their win over Brentford in September and although they were beaten by Jurgen Klopp’s side last time out, they would have been good value for a point had referring decisions gone their way.
They should be heading into the clash with West Ham full of confidence and should they defend like they did against Liverpool, they should be able to keep the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Mohammed Kudus quiet at the London Stadium.
The Hammers have struggled defensively themselves in recent weeks and should Calvert-Lewin live up to the huge billing he has received from Sutton, he could well cause Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd some problems, just as Ollie Watkins did for Aston Villa.
A win would be a huge boost not only to Everton’s hopes of Premier League survival but to the entire football club after what has been a difficult week for the Toffees, with Bill Kenwright’s passing and the emerging reports of a potential 12-point deduction for breaking financial fair play rules [The Telegraph, 25 October].
Hopefully, Dyche’s side can at least match Sutton’s prediction, if not better it on Sunday.
In other Everton news, Vinny O’Connor has revealed that there could well be a twist in the Toffees FFP investigation with appeals already expected