Everton vs West Ham preview: Character and consistency can lead West Ham to finish alongside Everton

Everton vs West Ham preview: Character and consistency can lead West Ham to finish alongside Everton

 

 

Saturday sees the Premier league return to England's top football grounds after a long but encouraging duo of games for England fans. Everton face West Ham in a game which certainly promises a high quality of attacking football. Although many people think that West Ham will slip up a few times before the season is over (and finish mid-table), I think that The Hammers will have a successful season and finish in the top nine. Sam Allardyce's side have collected 18 points from eleven league games and currently sit in fourth, four places above Everton. The summer signings of Sahko and Enner Valencia upfront have spur-headed a team which has developed into a well-balanced squad (which was highlighted by the 2-1 win over Manchester City at Upton Park). It seems that West Ham have decided to play with a sense of no fear and has materialised into a strong run of results, which reflects their work effort. The key to not falling down the league is consistency and if Sahko and Valencia stay fit and in form, the Upton Park faithful will thoroughly enjoy this season.

 

As for Everton, the international break hasn't brought any positives to Goodison Park. Leighton Baines was ruled out for up to two weeks with a thigh injury. James McCarthy was sent home by the Republic of Ireland due to his complaints of an ankle injury. Roy Keane has launched a attack on Roberto Martinez over the handing of Goodison Park's ROI players and I think that Roy Keane needs to think about who Martinez really is, as I really don't see the Spaniard threatening players over international duty. Maybe other managers like Van Gaal and Mourinho, possibly, not Martinez. Everton seem to have taken one step forward this season, only to go two steps back. Injuries have taken a toll on the squad (like it does to any team) but the quality and expectancy of a top six side is to roll with whatever events stand in the way. However, come the end of the season I can see Everton finishing strong and West Ham being alongside them. Character and consistency can lead these two teams to where they want to be.

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