Everton will be looking to get back on track this weekend after a seriously disappointing defeat against one of the Premier League struggles, Southampton, last weekend.
The Toffees had began to build up an encouraging run of form which had seen Sean Dyche’s side go five games without defeat in the league.
However, the trip to St Mary’s provided a stark reminder that Everton are still very much among the relegation-threatened sides this season.
Better times could be on the way as The Friedkin Group look to close out their Everton takeover but for now the players and staff will be looking to prove their worth.
And the Blues will have a big opportunity against a West Ham side which are also struggling from their own issues.
Chris Sutton shares his West Ham vs Everton prediction
Speaking to BBC Sport, Chris Sutton admitted he can only see a draw in this game at the London Stadium with both sides leaving a lot to be desired of late.
“While the Hammers are still above Everton in the table, the Toffees’ had been in better form, but then they lost at struggling Southampton last week which is a disappointing defeat whichever way you look at it,” he said.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  West HamWest Ham | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 13 | 19 | -6 | 11 |
| 15 |  LeicesterLeicester | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 18 | -4 | 10 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 17 | -7 | 9 |
| 17 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 13 | -5 | 7 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 10 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 21 | -11 | 5 |
“The only team Everton have beaten away this season is Ipswich, so I would not feel confident backing them to bounce back with a win here.
“I don’t want to pick another draw, but this has got one written all over it.”
Pressure is ramping up on the Everton boss with Dyche criticised for not starting Jarrad Branthwaite last weekend against the Saints.
- READ MORE: ‘Outstanding’ manager Dan Friedkin wants to replace Sean Dyche at Everton speaks out on his future
Why Sean Dyche isn’t starting Jarrad Branthwaite
Ahead of the trip down to the capital, Dyche addressed the concerns surrounding Branthwaite’s lack of involvement from the starting XI.
The defender came into the season on the back of a serious injury which kept him out for a number of the opening games.
However, since returning he has largely featured on the bench with Dyche sticking to the partnership of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane.
Everton fans are furious with Dyche for not playing Branthwaite as the 53-year-old addressed the situation in his latest press conference.
“He’s had one season in the Premier League. Don’t get me wrong, one very, very good season but it’s still only one season in the Premier League,” he said to the media on Thursday.
“He’s got a lot of learning to go and a lot of developing to go in my opinion. Fitness is a big part of that to physically be out there.
“He was out quite a long time. He came back in and got re-injured, so we didn’t want that of course”.
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