Two sides who have enjoyed promising starts to the season clash in the Premier League on Sunday, with Everton hosting West Ham United at Goodison Park.
Everton have lost just one of their opening seven games this term and find themselves fifth as a result – two points behind first-place Chelsea.
A beauty from Barry. 🏹#GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/bRqBASriAF— Everton (@Everton) October 12, 2021
A beauty from Barry. 🏹#GoalOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/bRqBASriAF
Although West Ham currently sit ninth in the table, they are only three points shy of Everton and could leapfrog their next opponents on Sunday.
The Toffees enjoyed a four-match unbeaten streak at the start of the campaign, picking up three wins and a draw in the process.
They suffered their first defeat of the season on Matchday 5, losing to Aston Villa. Since then, however, they have taken four points from a possible six.
After beating Norwich 2-0, Everton claimed an impressive 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford just before the international break.
The Toffees have lost just one of their previous nine outings in all competitions and have also won each of their past four on home soil.
It is also worth noting that Everton have won each of their last three home games in the Premier League by 2+ goals.
On the flip side, West Ham have been extremely strong away from home – avoiding defeat in all of their previous eight away games in all competitions.
The Hammers have also lost just two of their last 13 matches, winning each of their past three away games.
Still, it is worth pointing out that David Moyes’ men have lost two of their last three Premier League encounters.
After losing to Man Utd on Matchday 5, the Hammers suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brentford before the international lay-off.
Head-to-head: Interestingly, West Ham and Everton both claimed a 1-0 away win against each other last season.
When you look at the bigger picture, the Toffees have only lost one of their last six meetings with the Hammers – picking up four wins along the way.
Team news: Everton will be hoping that Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have recovered from injury, although Fabian Delph is ruled out.
As for West Ham, they are sweating on the fitness of defensive duo Vladimir Coufal and Ryan Fredericks after they sustained knocks recently.
Although both teams have made a solid start to the season, Everton should benefit from home advantage on Sunday.
Forbet predicts that Everton will net over 1.5 goals and keep a clean sheet en route to dispatching West Ham.