Another weekend, another 1-1 draw. Or at least that’s what Everton fans will have felt after Saturday’s draw at Stoke. They can also feel a vast amount of frustration of which a large amount will be aimed at Belgian international Marouane Fellaini after his antics against Stoke earned him a retrospective three match ban which renders him unavailable for Saturday’s game against West Ham.
Three weeks ago this news may have come as a hammer blow to Everton with West Ham in good form and in full fitness. Now though their form seems to have subsided somewhat and they remain without key players Ricardo Vaz Te, Andy Carroll, Yossi Benayoun, Jack Collison and Mohammed Diame. That said they do post threats namely Kevin Nolan and Carlton Cole, Matt Jarvis on the wing also provides them with pace and crossing ability that is likely to keep both Everton fullbacks on their toes. In last Sunday’s 0-0 draw with West Brom, the Hammers were only able to name 6 substitutes, 3 of which had never played in the PL before. Despite their injury woes West Ham are a good side that need to be dealt with, they also have spirit in abundance.
Everton will be without Marouane Fellaini for this one and despite them having apt replacements in reserve they will no doubt miss his aerial ability, physical presence and goal scoring ability. The other half of their Belgian contingent, Kevin Mirallas is still expecting to be out with a hamstring problem; another sore loss for the Blues. Still Everton should have the quality to grind out the three points, although their recent record against West Ham doesn’t give them too much to be optimistic about. Despite scoring a dramatic winner against Spurs, Nikica Jelavic has still not found his rhythm this season and there is a sense that he will need to be in clinical form should Everton get anything from this game.
No doubt it will be another tough, physical game for Everton but if they keep that heads and remain calm in front of goal they should have the quality to see off a depleted West Ham side. Although any lapses in concentration and West Ham will seek to punish them. A very tough but winnable game for the Blues, if the world hasn’t ended by then of course.
