Everton vs West Ham
Premier League
Saturday
2nd March 2024
Goodison Park
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Premier League fixture between Everton and West Ham.
Everton vs West Ham: Preview
Everton form analysis
The Blues has struggled for consistent results in recent Premier League matches. After a dull 0-0 draw with Fulham on January 31st, Everton managed an exciting 2-2 draw against Tottenham on February 3rd. They overcame an early deficit thanks to goals from J. Harrison and J. Branthwaite in added time, showing solid fight. However, drab losses followed to Manchester City (0-2 on the 10th) and at home to Crystal Palace (1-1 on the 20th) after conceding late.
Most recently on the 24th, Everton drew away at Brighton 1-1 after taking a late lead through J. Branthwaite but conceding almost immediately after. Overall, Everton’s defense has leaked goals at inopportune moments to drop points. But the offense has also lacked ruthlessness and consistency in the final third. Protecting leads better by maintaining organization and concentration could help see out wins when scoring first instead of draws. Creating and converting more high-quality chances would take pressure off the defense as well.
West Ham form analysis
It has been a miserable run of form recently for West Ham United in Premier League play. After a disappointing 1-1 draw at home with Bournemouth on February 2nd, conceding early, worse results soon followed. On the 4th, they fell 0-3 away at Manchester United in a lopsided match. Things got even worse in their next match on the 11th, when high-flying Arsenal thrashed them 0-6 at home in an utterly forgettable performance.
Seeking to rebound, West Ham instead lost away again, this time 0-2 to Nottingham Forest on the 17th to extend their winless run. Most recently on the 27th, West Ham finally found scoring form in an eight goal thriller with Brentford. But defensive issues persisted as they had to settle for a 4-2 win after holding leads of 2-0, 3-1 and 4-1 thanks to an impressive hat trick from J. Bowen. Overall, West Ham’s defense has badly struggled, conceding 14 goals over this five match stretch. The attack also lacked consistency until the last match. Tighter defensive organization and concentration at the back will be vital to turn results around. More clinical finishing up front would help protect leads when they do score.
