West Ham will be full of confidence as they make the trip to Merseyside to face Everton after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday evening, a victory that makes a top four finish a very realistic possibility.
In fact, there is a chance that the Hammers could end this weekend in the top four, however, it is unlikely that they will do so as it’s hard to see Manchester City failing to earn three points against Aston Villa at home.
Everton currently sit in 11th position, but they still have a lot to play for. A victory over West Ham would see them move to within five points of Slaven Bilic’s side and they’d also have a game in hand.
James Collins was the latest Hammers defender to be ruled out with injury, meaning that Bilic will once again have to shuffle the pack.
Here’s the 11 that we think he’ll select at Goodison Park:
Goalkeeper: Adrian
Adrian is certain to play when he’s fit.
Centre Back: Reece Oxford
We think Slaven will stick with three centre-backs for the trip to Everton, so Oxford comes in to replace Collins.
Centre Back: Angelo Ogbonna
Ogbonna will be the only senior, natural centre back in the back three, so he’ll be needed to organise and communicate with his teammates.
Centre Back: Cheikhou Kouyate
The Senegalese international did well at centre back against Spurs and we think he’ll be given that role again. He might be tasked with getting physical with Romelu Lukaku.
Right Wing Back: Michail Antonio
Antonio has been in really good form in the past few weeks and adds a genuine goal threat from the right wing back position.
Left Wing Back: Aaron Cresswell
Cresswell will need to be defensively sound against Aaron Lennon, but will also be asked to get up in support of Dimitri Payet in attack.
Centre Midfield: Pedro Obiang
Everton have a physical midfield, and Obiang will be tasked with battling with the likes of James McCarthy and Gareth Barry.
Centre Midfield: Mark Noble
The captain was unlucky not to score against Spurs. He’ll be asked to dictate the tempo of game from midfield.
Left Midfield: Dimitri Payet
The magic man will obviously start. His quality speaks for itself and his set-piece delivery could be key against an Everton side that often struggles with crosses.
Right Midfield: Manuel Lanzini
Lanzini scored in the 1-1 draw with the Toffees at the Boleyn Ground. He’ll be looking for another at Goodison.
Striker: Emmanuel Emenike
Emenike worked tirelessly against Spurs and will be asked to the same again at Goodison.
It’s not easy playing as a lone striker, and he probably won’t last the 90 minutes, but he’ll certainly put a shift in.