MATCH PREVIEW // WEST HAM HOPE TO REACH SEVENTH WITH EVERTON VICTORY

By Sam Tonks

After an International break which was historic for West Ham’s own, Declan Rice, making his full England debut, Premier League football returns to London Stadium with the visit of Everton.

Manuel Lanzini scored a brace in a fantastic 3-1 win in the sunshine last May over their opponents, ending the season on a high. Now the Hammers sit two points above the Merseyside outfit in ninth, with both firmly in the race for seventh spot.

Manuel Pellegrini’s first win as manager came in the reverse fixture in September, a 3-1 victory. But he is wary of their position just behind them and them coming off the back of a 2-0 win over Chelsea.

“I remember we beat Everton 3-1 for my first Premier League win as West Ham United manager, but that game was a long time ago now,” said Pellegrini.

“Everton are trying to grow as a club, and I think they have a good method of managing the club. At the moment, they are a similar club to us.

“That fight for seventh will be a tight battle. It will be between four or five teams until the last game. That’s why it is so important to try to continue playing the way we are at home.”

The Hammers have won five of their last seven at London Stadium, the last a thrilling 4-3 win against Huddersfield Town, the boss says this form will be crucial.

“If we win our next three home games, it may be a successful season. I think, when the team plays well and the fans enjoy the game, everyone is thinking about us winning the game,” he said.

This weekend will see West Ham and the rest of the Premier League clubs support the new ‘No Room for Racism’ campaign, the manager spoke on this after the incidents in England’s game at Montenegro.

“My belief, when this sort of behaviour happens in football stadiums, is that the media must not give it so much importance, and the punishment must be very hard. If you have a good punishment, then it is difficult to repeat. 

In team news, Samir Nasri is a doubt with a calf problem, he will be assessed before Saturday’s late kick-off. There are no concerns over Lanzini, despite him travelling and not featuring for Argentina in the break.

Another win at London Stadium for West Ham would see them complete a fourth double over Everton, the first since 1973. Marco Silva’s team have won just two of their last seven in the Premier League.

Kick-off is at 5:30 at London Stadium on Saturday.