THE stakes could hardly be higher for West Ham United and Everton as they head into a Premier League six-pointer that could have a massive bearing on how the season pans out.
Frank Lampard is clinging on by his fingertips at Goodison Park after a horror run that has seen the Toffees go nine games without a win, racking up seven defeats along the way.
The last of those losses was particularly damaging, with bottom-of-the-table Southampton coming from behind to claim a 2-1 victory as my bet of a one-goal winning margin landed.
David Moyes has a bit more credit in the bank at the Hammers after two impressive campaigns but his side also find themselves in the drop zone and they are only ahead of Everton on goal difference.
West Ham have gone seven Premier League games without a win after losing to Wolves last time out and if that dismal form continues then Moyes will find himself under the same intense pressure as Lampard.
A lack of firepower has cost them of late, with just four goals in their last six games, and the Hammers need to find their shooting boots to move clear of danger.
How the bookies view it
It's a hard one to call based on the form guide but the bookies make West Ham United odds-on favourites at a best 4/5 with Betfred while Everton are as big as 4/1 with SBK. The draw suits neither side and that pays 14/5 with SpreadEx.
Recent head to head
There hasn't been much between these sides in recent years, with the last 10 meetings producing four West Ham victories, five Everton wins and just one draw. It was tight when the Hammers visited Goodison earlier this season as Neil Maupay grabbed the only goal of the game.
Players to watch
Lucas Paqueta has only shown glimpses of his class since a big-money move from Lyon but his quality could make the difference in a tight game. The Brazilian also seems to be on the penalties and William Hill price him at 4/1 for anytime scorer. An assist might be more likely and that pays 5/1 with Unibet.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin should be nearing full fitness now for Everton and Lampard desperately needs his top striker to start scoring. The England international has netted just once this season and is 3/1 with William Hill to add to that tally here.
Anything else catch the eye?
With so much at stake it should be a tense and nervous 90 minutes, with the half-time draw looking good at 5/4 with Unibet. There has been a one-goal winning margin in the last five meetings and a repeat pays 13/10 with McBookie.
The midfield battle will be crucial and that could lead to some tasty tackles. Backing Amadou Onana for a card backfired on me last week but I fancy the Belgian for a booking here. He has amassed eight yellows this term for club and country, with another card here paying 2/1 at Bet365.
Unibet always have some interesting stat bets and I like the evens on offer for Nayef Aguerd to commit over 0.5 fouls after the Moroccan was booked two times in his last three outings.
This English Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton will be played on Jan 21, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best West Ham United vs Everton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
