3 key storylines as Everton host West Ham in a crucial Premier League clash | OneFootball

Everton welcomes West Ham United on Saturday in the Premier League. Both sides are tied on 33 points, with the home side ahead on goal difference. Here are three key things to look out for.

1. Everton’s improvement under David Moyes

The decision to replace Sean Dyche with David Moyes is proving to be one of the best in recent times for Everton. The Toffees, who will soon leave Goodison Park for a brand-new stadium, will hope to maintain their strong form. Moyes was named Premier League Manager of the Month for February on Friday.

Everton has lost only once in their last nine matches and is currently unbeaten in their previous five. Their last two home games ended in 2-2 draws against Liverpool and Manchester United. Given their solid home form, Moyes's side will be confident in securing all three points.

In terms of personnel, Everton still has several attacking players sidelined. Iliman Ndiaye, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil, and Armando Broja remain unavailable. However, Beto’s promising run of form since returning to the starting XI has been a bright spot.

2. West Ham United’s life under Graham Potter

Graham Potter’s start at West Ham has not been as productive as David Moyes’s at Everton. However, before their home loss to Newcastle United last Monday, the Hammers had put together some impressive results. Their 1-0 win against Arsenal at the Emirates handed the Gunners their first Premier League defeat of the season. They followed that up with a victory over Leicester City.

Like Everton, West Ham has had injuries in their attacking department. Michail Antonio, Niclas Füllkrug, and Crysencio Summerville have all been sidelined for a while. Jarrod Bowen has been a key figure in their attack, scoring the decisive goal in their win over Arsenal last month.

With a 16-point cushion above the relegation zone, West Ham is not in immediate danger. However, after finishing ninth last season, finding themselves among the bottom five is far from what their fans envisioned, especially given the signings made in the summer. They will be aiming for a strong end to the season as a foundation to build upon.

3. Previous meetings and what’s at stake

The last time these two teams met, they played out a goalless draw at the London Stadium. In the corresponding fixture last season, Everton took the lead through Beto but ultimately crumbled to a 3-1 defeat.

Historically, Everton has had the upper hand with 14 wins compared to West Ham’s eight. Given their current form, Everton appears to have the edge. With Manchester United and Tottenham both sitting on 34 points, a win could propel either team up to 13th place if other results go their way. Despite being relatively safe from relegation, both teams will be eager to climb the table.

Looking ahead, Everton faces a tough run of fixtures, with their next four opponents currently in the Premier League’s top five. In comparison, West Ham has a more favorable schedule, with upcoming games against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, two sides currently in the bottom four.