West Ham United have been given a major boost by Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the New Year’s Day clash.
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David Moyes has the daunting prospect of taking his stuttering West Ham side to Goodison Park to face the high-flying Toffees.
West Ham have not been at their early season best of late.
Stuttering Hammers face daunting third game in six days at high-flying and fully rested Everton
But the Hammers can still eclipse the start they made to their record-breaking 2015/16 campaign with a win over Everton.
Victory for West Ham would also take them within three points of their hosts.
And West Ham’s chances have been given a major boost after Ancelotti confirmed Everton will be missing three key players for the clash.
Ancelotti gives Hammers a major boost by confirming trio are out but Richarlison returns
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ancelotti said James Rodriguez, Allan and Lucas Digne are edging closer to returns.
But all three will MISS the West Ham game as they continue their recovery (Royal Blue Mersey).
There was one bit of bad news for West Ham, though, as Ancelotti revealed Richarlison is fit to play after recovering from concussion.
Moyes also boosted by Antonio return while Everton fans are blocked by Tier 4 restrictions
West Ham will be boosted by the return of Michail Antonio but he is not expected to be risked from the start.
Everton appear to have a big advantage going into the game having had a full week’s rest while the Hammers will be playing their third game in six days.
Everton’s potential advantage of having 2,000 fans at the game has also been – somewhat sadly – taken away after Liverpool was placed into Tier 4 restrictions.
West Ham take on Everton in the 5.30pm kick off on Friday, live on BT Sport 1.
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